BBC presenter Gabby Logan has exclusively revealed that the upcoming BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards will feature a brand new voting twist, handing unprecedented power to the viewing public. An extra live vote on the night will be introduced, ensuring the audience is at the very heart of British sport's biggest annual celebration.
A Nerve-Wracking Yet Beloved Gig
Gabby Logan, who will be hosting the event for the 13th time next month alongside Clare Balding and Alex Scott, admitted that SPOTY remains her most nerve-wracking broadcast of the year. The live two-hour extravaganza, scheduled for Thursday, 18th December from 7–9pm on BBC One and iPlayer, celebrates the finest sporting achievements of the previous twelve months.
Despite her nearly three decades in live sports broadcasting and her recent permanent role on Match of the Day, Logan confessed to pre-show butterflies. She recalled legendary host Gary Lineker once quoting Des Lynam, describing SPOTY as "the best laxative known to man." Her primary goal is to nail the crucial first introduction before she feels properly up and running.
Major Changes and Emotional Highlights
This year's ceremony will see a significant format change designed to boost engagement, particularly with younger audiences. For the first time, the Team of the Year Award will be decided by a public vote, mirroring the process for the main Sports Personality prize. This move away from a panel of experts gives fans direct influence over the outcome.
Logan reflected on some of the most memorable moments from her years hosting, including the emotional tribute to her family's close friend, the late rugby legend Doddie Weir, during his battle with motor neurone disease. She also recalled the technical challenge when the line went down as Mo Farah won, a moment that truly tested her live television skills.
Life Beyond the Spotlight: Fitness and Family
Away from the cameras, Logan maintains a disciplined lifestyle to manage her demanding career. The 52-year-old former gymnast is committed to a strict fitness regime, which includes three weekly weights sessions, two pilates classes, and runs or walks. She famously sought out a £9-a-session cage-fighter gym in Manchester's Moss Side while working away from home.
With her 20-year-old twins, Lois and Reuben, now having left the family home, Logan prioritises sleep, a balanced diet low in sugar, and a very moderate approach to alcohol. She credits comedian Lee Mack's teetotal perspective, noting that "the first one does the trick, I don't need the second one."
Looking ahead to the December ceremony, Logan expressed her excitement that golfer Rory McIlroy has already confirmed his attendance, making him a likely contender for the shortlist. With the new voting power in their hands, the British public is set to play a more pivotal role than ever in crowning the nation's sporting heroes.
