The BBC's prestigious Sports Personality of the Year 2024 ceremony returned with its usual glitz on Thursday, December 19, but the change from its traditional Sunday slot was the first thing to irk loyal audiences.
Immediate Backlash Over Scheduling and Opening
Broadcasting at 7pm, the show, which celebrates the year's top sporting achievements, was met with swift criticism on social media platform X. Many viewers were taken aback by the altered schedule, with one commenting, "I always thought #SPOTY was on a Sunday...". Another was unimpressed with the show's start, calling it the "Worst opening montage I've ever seen/heard."
The BBC had moved the event to better accommodate the diaries of the sporting stars in attendance. However, this did little to placate some fans, with one long-time viewer stating they had stopped watching years ago, claiming the broadcaster had "absolutely ruined it." Another simply lamented, "#Spoty on a Thursday night sad!"
A Star-Studded Shortlist and Prestigious Awards
Despite the initial grumbles, the night was focused on celebrating sporting excellence. The shortlist for the main award featured six contenders:
- England footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly
- Darts sensation Luke Littler
- Golf icon Rory McIlroy
- Formula One star Lando Norris
Before the winner was revealed, several other accolades were handed out. The highlight was the Lifetime Achievement award, presented to former Arsenal and France football legend Thierry Henry. The 47-year-old, retired since 2014 and regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest ever players, was honoured in a touching moment where his young children gave him the award.
"I want to say thank you to everyone who believed in me, and also the ones who didn't," Henry said, before dedicating the award to his children in a moving gesture that brought tears to the eyes of many watching.
Rory McIlroy Crowned Champion
As the programme reached its conclusion, the votes were counted and the 2024 Sports Personality of the Year was announced. To thunderous applause from the audience, the title was awarded to Rory McIlroy.
In the lead-up, fans had been divided on their hopes, with some backing McIlroy and others supporting Lando Norris, though betting odds had favoured the golfer. The full show remains available for viewers to catch up on BBC iPlayer.
