BBC Sports Personality of the Year

1. Lewis Hamilton is named BBC Sports Personality of the Year
2. Sir Chris Hoy collects Lifetime Achievement, Cristiano Ronaldo Overseas Award
3. Team of the Year: England women rugby union world champions
4. Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley named Coach of the Year
5. Swimming coach Jill Stidever wins the Unsung Hero Award
6. Helen Rollason Award goes to Invictus Games competitors
7. Gymnast Claudia Fragapane named Young Sports Personality

PA

Another BBC Sports Personality show ends, another name is added to the famous trophy. It was always going to be between Lewis Hamilton and Rory McIlroy and, this time, it was the F1 world champion who came out on top.

It's nearly the end of a magical sporting year, 12 months which had it all - Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Fifa World Cup, women's Rugby World Cup, and a Ryder Cup, to name just a few events. Hopefully 2015 will be just as thrilling, just as entertaining. Until then...Bye for now.

Get involved

Times football writer James Ducker: Could have sworn McIlroy won Open, US PGA and was central to Ryder Cup win, as well as being world No. 1 and top of money list. Must be mistaken. Not undermining Hamilton's achievement - winning second world champ very impressive - but McIIroy had an incredible year. Had to win surely.

Thomas Rooney: Rory should have won but you can't argue with a public vote and Lewis has had a supreme year.

Craig Brennan: Wow. Get home to find out Rory didn't win SPOTY. This is ridiculous - F1 was between two people all year. Rory beat 100+ decent players twice in majors.

Hamilton stat attack

PA

Having won karting and F1 titles in a number 44 car, it is the driver's lucky number, and he has the digits tattooed behind his right ear. But perhaps Hamilton should take his bulldog Roscoe with him to races and award ceremonies because the dog stole the show on the red carpet

Gareth Bale: "Congratulations @LewisHamilton @McIlroyRory and @jopavey ! Looked a fantastic night and all deserved winners."

Feeling hoarse

Gary Lineker seems relieved to have made it to the end of the show, given his sore throat. He tweets: "Thank heavens that's over with, congratulations Lewis Hamilton on a spectacular year."

Get involved

Gail Buckley: I should have put a bet on... my prediction for the top three #SPOTY was correct! Well done to Lewis, Rory and Jo.

Niall Stewart: If Hamilton had won the F1 world championship in February/March/April, would he still get SPOTY? Doubtful.

Bradley Mills: Gary Lineker deserves an award for managing to still be able to talk at the end of that!

BBC Sport

BBC Get Inspired: Look who just walked into our press room! It's only the winner.

A Spice Girl tweets...

@BBCAnnaT

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell: "Congrats to women's rugby team. Now that's girls power."

Hamilton stat attack

Lewis Hamilton becomes the seventh Formula 1 driver to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. When he won the world title in November, the 29-year-old became Britain's first multiple world F1 champion in 43 years. Jackie Stewart last achieved the feat in 1971 and would win the title for a third and final time in 1973.

BBC Sport

Paralympic athlete Cori Henry: Me and Richard Whitehead saying to Lewis Hamilton "we win together; we lose together"

Get involved

BBC Sport presenter Mark Pougatch: Hugely surprised by the order of the 1-2 but delighted for Jo Pavey & the women's rugby team.

Seb Patrick: It's worth giving Lewis Hamilton the SPOTY award just to enjoy the outrage from people who think F1 isn't a real sport but golf is.

Ollie Parker: Quality! Lewis Hamilton definitely deserved SPOTY.

Graeme Swann

Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

PA

"I'm disappointed for Rory McIlroy. I'm more of a golf fan than F1. What Rory is doing is way and beyond what everyone else is doing. But don't get me wrong Lewis Hamilton is unbelievable."

Darren Campbell

2004 Olympic 4x100m champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"I know how Rory feels! Rory will go onto some amazing things though."

Judy Murray

GB Fed Cup tennis captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"I'm thrilled for Jo. It's a wonderful story. It's a family business. She's the best."

Ticker tape floats down from the roof of the arena and a disbelieving Hamilton looks out towards the audience. Still no sign of Roscoe the bulldog.

Family inspires Hamilton

"I could not have done this without my amazing team, my family, my dad who once had four jobs to help me, my brother. I've been incredibly inspired by them," continues Hamilton. "I never thought in a million years I'd be surrounded by such people.

"Thank you to all the fans. I always say we win and lose together because I feel your love. I feel so proud to carry the Union flag and hope I will continue to make you proud."

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Adrian Bourne: Well done Lewis!

Joe Goldberg: Scandalous. Rory only second.

John Finn: Delighted for Jo Pavey getting third.

"Dude, you had such an amazing year," Hamilton tells second-place Rory McIlroy, who looks forlorn. Maybe the golfer should have brought a bulldog with him.... Lesson learnt for next year.

Hamilton speechless

"I am so speechless," says Lewis Hamilton, before going on to give a speech. "I'm so proud and honoured to be among such great sporting talent. I want to say a huge thank you to all the people who called in, I really wasn't expecting it."

The reigning Formula 1 champion hugs his brother before making his way to the stage, kissing Gabby Logan and Clare Balding on the cheek. A standing ovation for the Mercedes driver before he lifts the trophy aloft.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year - Lewis Hamilton

BBC

Second place - Rory McIlroy

BBC

Ryder Cup hero and three-time Major winner is second which leaves...

Third place - Jo Pavey

BBC

Super mum Jo Pavey comes third after a fabulous year on the track.

The time has come to learn who has become 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. It will be one of 10, but who has captured the British public's heart the most? Whose name will join the likes of Sebastian Coe, Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Steve Redgrave?

"I became a dad eight weeks ago," Sir Chris Hoy informs the crowd, and the audience cheers wildly. "He was in hospital for eight weeks and finally came out last week and we got him home." More cheers and whistles. Sir Chris Hoy has them in the palm of their hands. "I'm sure he'll be watching it on telly just now."

Sir Chris Hoy

Judy Murray

GB Fed Cup tennis captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think he's just incredible. His achievements are awesome. He's a great ambassador for Scotland. He had a tartan suit on and he was rocking it. He's the perfect gent, a great guy. He can converse with everyone. He's a great role model."

Get involved

Tempest Devyne: What? me? Crying at Sir Chris Hoy getting the lifetime achievement award....you betcha

Tom Howells: Yes, Chris Hoy, massively deserved.

Sir Chris Hoy attempts to hold back the tears, but he's failing. Prince Harry presents the Olympian with the Lifetime Achievement award and salty tears appear. "It's very hard not to get emotional when you hear amazing words from people you respect and get this amazing reception," says Hoy, receiving a rousing reception on home turf.

Opening ceremony fumble

BBC

And let's not forget, Sir Chris stopped the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony from descending into further face by stepping in to help Pricne Imran of Malaysia to open a baton. It's worth watching again. And again. And again.

Six Olympic golds, a 2008 hat-trick

Picking up medals and trophies is, of course, old hat for new dad Sir Chris, whose wife Sarra Kemp gave birth to a baby boy in October 11 weeks early. Anyway, the Scot retired from competitive cycling in 2013 with six Olympic gold medals.

You may, or may not remember, he was the first British Olympian for 100 years to claim three golds at one Games, at Beijing in 2008.

Has he ever won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award? For sure. In 2008.

Lifetime Achievement Award

BBC Sport

Sir Chris Hoy, Britain's most successful Olympian, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, adding his name to a list of winners which includes Sir Steve Redgrave and Seve Ballesteros.

Steve Bunce

Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Lewis Hamilton will win. But I want Jo Pavey to win. Wouldn't that be great?"

Judy Murray

GB Fed Cup tennis captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"McIlroy, Hamilton and Pavey for me."

Violinist Nicola Benedetti plays the Bonnie Banks O'Loch Lomond as we reach a sombre part of the show, remembering those who have died during the year. It's a fitting tribute for those who are no longer with us.

Have a good night - Ronaldo

It's a rather cheerless presentation ceremony as Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale presents Cristiano Ronaldo with his award in a makeshift studio. "Thank you BBC for choosing me and to my old fans in England. Thank you very much, have a good night."

Overseas Sports Personality of the Year

BBC Sport

World player of the year, Champions League winner, 281 goals in 267 games for Real Madrid, 25 hat-tricks for his club, 31.6m Twitter followers. Best player in the world? Arguably so. Best player ever? Potentially so. And he's generous, too, buying each of his team-mates £6,500 watches to commemorate Real winning their 10th Champions League title.

It's time to flex the pectoral muscles (if you have any) in admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.

Voting closed

Voting is now closed so don't ring or vote online as it won't count. You will now have to wait for the number-crunchers to tot up the votes and bring us the results.

"I would like to thank the RFU and Sport England and our friends and family and to everybody at home, this is a massive turning point for women's sport," says captain Katy McLean.

Team of the year

BBC Sport

This week they were awarded Freedom of Rugby Borough for winning the Women's Rugby World Cup and now England's women are BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year. England's team of teachers, vets, physios and plumbers beat Canada 21-9 in August, ending a run of three successive final defeats in the tournament. Up they step on stage to collect another prize.

Team of the Year

Scottish sporting greats Gordon Strachan and Sir Jackie Stewart walk on stage with the Team of the Year trophy, which must mean it's time to announce the Team of the Year.

A contender and viewer

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale: Enjoying the show so far, a great year of sport!

BBC Radio 5 live

More from Unsung Hero Jill Stidever on BBC Radio 5 live: "I genuinely did not think I would win. I was shaking like a leaf at the speech.

"I thought not me, even though I have a silly surname. I'm very proud and very humbled. I have a very different view to the one I had this morning.

"This is not my scene. I'm quite happy at the swimming pool and talking in front of a crowd. I also promised my daughter that I wouldn't have tears - but I let her down. In order to cope with this weekend, my doctor increased my dosage of tablets by rather a lot!"

Get involved #spotyselfie

@OliverDingley

Republic of Ireland diver Oliver Dingley - with Britain's James Denny - catch up with singer Susan Boyle: "Cheeky selfie with the row behind."

McGinley honoured

"I'm very, very honoured," says Paul McGinley. "I need to thank the people of Scotland. Your support was huge. I had 12 great players, 12 great personalities and a great backroom team and vice captains." A short speech from the Ryder Cup captain, which is good news for those in charge of the schedule.

'He's been the most wonderful captain'

"Paul McGinley rewrites art of captaincy," wrote the Independent of the Ryder Cup skipper as his attention to detail helped deliver a memorable weekend in Gleneagles. "The best I've played under," gushed Graeme McDowell of his captain, while Rory McIlroy said after Europe's victory: "He has just been the most wonderful captain". McGinley is without doubt a popular captain.

Coach of the year

BBC Sport

His team smashed the Americans in the Ryder Cup this summer in a 16½-11½ victory - the largest differential in the competition since 2008 - so it's perhaps no surprise that Paul McGinley is named BBC Sport Personality Coach of the Year.

Coach of the Year

Clare Balding says it's time to present the Coach of the Year award and who are we to say she's fibbing. Tom Daley and King of the Jungle Carl Froch will present the award to either British swimming coach Bill Furniss, Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, Carl Froch's coach Rob McCracken or England women's rugby union team Gary Street. And the winner is...

Get involved #spotyselfie

@SWareBWare

Steph Ware: Female Rowing Legend Katherine Grainger - back in the game for Rio!

Grainger was an Olympic champion in the double sculls with Anna Watkins at London 2012. Bonus points to Steph, by the way, for managing to capture another selfie in the background.

Ireland won the Six Nations, Manchester City the Premier League, Europe retained the Ryder Cup and England's women were crowned world champions - but who will win the Team of the Year award? I'm assuming we'll find out soon, although the show is slightly behind schedule.

Champion guests

@KatyMc10

Making her second selfie appearance of the evening, it's England Women's Rugby World Cup-winning captain Katy McLean, with team-mates Sarah Hunter and Mo Hunt.

Darren Campbell

2004 Olympic 4x100m champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"For sport to continue to be successful in Great Britain we still need volunteers and guys who give their time for free."

Particularly special for Jill Stidever

"I have practice [of a speech]. I had a seven-year-old boy win a race last weekend and he made a little speech thanking us for the medal," continues Jill Stidever. "I have got tears and it was that that was particularly special. It was also special that parents have trusted their children to me over the last few years. I'm not the most conventional but I work new ways to help them. Thank you to all those who have supported me."

A standing ovation for Jill Stidever as she collects the Unsung Hero trophy. Prince Harry is on his feet, so too Jonny Wilkinson. There's whooping and whistling, too, before Gary Linker gives her a mic. "For my team, husband and all the rest who supported me, thank you very much."

Unsung Hero

BBC Sport

We turn our attention to the Unsung Hero award and this year's recipient is swimming coach Jill Stidever. The 77-year-old from Leicester has already been named BBC East Midlands Unsung Hero for 2014 in recognition of her work helping disabled children. Hopefully she still has room in a cabinet for another gong.

The contenders

BBC

The public can vote for their favourite by phone or online during the programme on Sunday, 14 December

You probably already know who they are, but if you need reminding here are the 10 contenders (in alphabetical order): Gareth Bale, Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Froch, Kelly Gallagher & Charlotte Evans, Lewis Hamilton, Rory McIlroy, Jo Pavey, Adam Peaty, Max Whitlock and Lizzy Yarnold.

Get involved #spotyselfie

@RebWarrington13

We've been asking you for your selfies with top sports stars - and you haven't let us down.

Rebecca Warrington: Selfie with the lovely Brian O'Driscoll after his last game in May 2014.

And the tempo slows down a touch, the audience relaxes and Gary Lineker drinks a hot lemony drink (probably), as Clean Bandit perform on stage, joined by Jess Glynne who sings their single Rather Be. Voting will close in a little over 20 minutes.

Voting by phone...

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How to vote online

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Open win was special - McIlroy

"It was a phenomenal year. There are so many people in this room, but the common denominator in people who are the best at what they do is hard work," says the Open champion.

"This was the trophy I dreamed of winning as a little boy, to have my mother there was special. It makes me a little emotional. It was a special moment and one I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

"I'll let people make comparisons to Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. I'm just trying to win as many majors as I can and see where that takes me."

Green Jacket is the target - McIlroy

More dry ice as Rory McIlroy walks on stage holding the Open trophy. At this rate, they'll need another dry ice machine.

"The Green Jacket, that's the one I'm aiming for next year, that would be the career Grand Slam, it would be a huge thing to achieve at 25 years of age," says McIlroy when asked about next year's Masters in Augusta.

Rory McIlroy

Graeme Swann

Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"Rory's had a phenomenal year. He's reached the Woods level and even surpassed it. He basically won the Ryder Cup by stamping his authority."

The contender

Other

"He's a great role model and great icon for Europe" - 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell on Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy's year in a nutshell

- Golf's world number one won two more major titles.

- Victory at the Open Championship secured him the third leg of a career Grand Slam.

- Three weeks later, the Northern Irishman became first player from the UK to win back-to-back majors by claiming second US PGA title.

- Won three points as Europe retained the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

I still can't believe it - Fragapane

BBC Radio 5 live

Young Sports Personality of the Year Claudia Fragapane on BBC Radio 5 live: "I've one a few trophies but did not expect to win this. It was scary speaking to so many people, it was so emotional, it was just horrible.

"Our main aim was to get the team gold and after that it was like job done. I still can't believe I've won it. It's absolutely incredible, I'm so overwhelmed."

Get involved #spotyselfie

@Claudia_Frag

How do you celebrate winning the Young Sports Personality of the Year award? With a cheery picture of yourself in the audience, of course. Claudia Fragapagne even used the #spotyselfie Twitter hashtag. Impressive.

I'd rather be skiing than up here - Gallagher

Speaking in front of an audience of thousands is a knee-knocking experience so it's no wonder Kelly Gallagher says: "I'd rather be skiing than up here.

"We wanted gold medals and that's what we wanted every time we were up there," Gallagher adds. "People were joking on Twitter, using the hashtag #historymakers. I would love to be able to drive a car or ride a horse. Skiing's the only thing where I'm allowed to go at 75mph. My parents have always been really supportive when I was down and didn't think I could it. To stand on top of the mountain and to go down it is the best job in the world."

Charlotte Evans MBE, who won gold at the women's Super-G in the 2014 Winter Paralympics alongside Kelly Gallagher: "I never dreamt I'd get invited to #SPOTY2014 let alone be nominated for it. What a year, the support has been incredible. Thanks EVERYONE."

The Contender

Other

"They are amazing - an absolute team" - the 1972 BBC Sports Personality Dame Mary Peters on Winter Paralympic gold medallists Kelly Gallagher and guide Charlotte Evans.

Gallagher & Evans's year in a nutshell

- Won Great Britain's first ever Winter Paralympics gold medal - in the visually impaired Super-G event in Sochi.

- Gallagher goes down the slopes at 100km/h despite having little vision.

- Evans provides audio commentary, relayed through a Bluetooth earpiece.

- The pair were awarded MBEs for services to visually impaired sport.

Get involved #spotyselfie

@HelenGloverGB

British Olympic and world rowing champion Helen Glover: I think they put me in the wrong seat by mistake! What legends! Paula Radcliffe and Chris Hoy.

My career was on the line - Froch

"It's unbelievable. That night at Wembley my whole career was on the line so to finish like that was fantastic," says Froch.

"It was difficult to take in the crowd, you are so focused on your game plan. I've been some unbelievable fights but to lay that punch on George Groves can define my career. I'm not the most talented but I'm still here.

"I put myself under a lot of pressure due to the needle. I could feel the weight for three or four months missing my partner Rachael and two kids. When that punch landed I felt relief and satisfaction that he would never get up."

Graeme Swann

Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"Carl Froch is cherished, pubs in Nottingham will operate a one in, one out policy just to watch him."

Something inside me refuses to quit - Froch

"Let's get ready to rumble," says a stadium announcer as the Hydro turns into a boxing arena. Anticipation rises... will And and Dec make an appearance? No, nope, it's Carl Froch on his own who walks on to chat to Gabby Logan. Three men are caught taking pictures of the boxer as he strides towards Logan. "I'm not the most talented fighter, but there's something inside me which refuses to quit," says Froch.

The contender

Other

"He is ridiculously tough, with an incredible ability to digest pain" - 1985 BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner Barry McGuigan on boxing world champion Carl Froch.

Froch's year in a nutshell

- Carl 'The Cobra' Froch retained his IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles against bitter rival George Groves.

- After a controversial bout in November 2013, the two met again in front of a British record 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in May.

- Nottingham's Froch knocked Groves out in the eighth round with a right hand described as one of the best punches in British boxing history.

- After the fight he got down on one knee in the ring to propose to his partner Rachael Cordingley, a model, with whom he has two young children.

There's talk of upper cuts and knockout blows, which must mean we're moving on to the next contender, Carl Froch.

Invictus Games

Graeme Swann

Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's phenomenal. These guys went to war to make the ultimate sacrifice and the fact they have gone through all of this and made something positive of the horrific situation they find themselves.

"In cricket we've had one person die, but these people have lost plenty of their best mates. It's very humbling."

Get involved #SPOTY

Alice Goring: Hahaa my boyfriend just texted me saying me and Dean Golding, Charlotte Dujardin's boyfriend, have a lot in common #horsesfirst

Sarah W: Jo Pavey has totally made me cry. She should be the role model that young girls look up to, not any member of the Kardashian family.

Alexandra Bassingham: Fab to see Claudia Fragapane winning BBC's young SPOTY. Well deserved - what a talent and what a moment for her and her family.

It's overwhelming - Henson

"To use the phrase blown away is inappropriate but we were," says Dave Henson. "We expected Aldershot but we were given the Olympic Stadium. It's absolutely overwhelming."

"I'm like a proud dad," says Prince Harry, much to the amusement of the crowd.

Applause turns into a standing ovation for the competitors of the Invictus Games and a warm smile from Prince Harry awaits them all on stage. Prince Harry makes the presentation to the captain of Great Britain's team Dave Henson.

'They showed what can be achieved if you have the will'

"We should not underestimate the power of sport, that changes life," says Prince Harry before presenting the award. "All of those who complete in the Invictus Games have achieved so much just to make it to the starting line-up.

"They showed what can be achieved if you have the will. They also came together to say thank you for the unwavering support throughout their recovery and remember those who weren't so lucky. They are Invictus."

Helen Rollason Award

BBC Sport

Prince Harry will present the Helen Rollason Award which, this year, goes to the 400 servicemen and women who competed at the Invictus Games. The Games, designed to introduce injured service members and veterans to Paralympic sports, was held in London in September.

"These men and women will no longer be defined by their injuries," says Prince Harry. "Their stories move, humble and captivate us."

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent: It was about this time during the 1990s "other world champions" montages that Sir Steve used to whisper "we've just got to keep on winning".

No Christmas Day run for Pavey

"At the start of the year, it was all about seeing if there was any outside possibility of scraping a place in team," says Jo Pavey. "I was breastfeeding until the start of April. I wanted to appreciated having a baby. Getting back to training, my times were horrendous. I thought 'let's give it one last go', and to get a medal was surreal.

"I used to stress about training but now there are too many other things to think about. I train hard but I don't dwell on things. I'm in a happy place.

"My team-mates call me granny. Maybe I'm a slow learner, but it was worth waiting for, and I've enjoyed it a lot more. It's taught me not to stress about things. When I was younger, I used to train on Christmas Day, but I'll take it off this year."

Jo Pavey

Hannah Cockroft

Paralympic and world champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"I struggle to get up and go training and university. I don't know how she does it."

Jo Pavey

Darren Campbell

2004 Olympic 4x100m champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's unbelievable with two young children to find the time and belief. At 41 she never gave up."

The contender

Other

"I'm sure she is an inspiration to a lot of people. She's been an inspiration to me" - 2002 BBC Sports Personality Paula Radcliffe on Jo Pavey.

Pavey's year in a nutshell

- Won first major title at the European Championships in Zurich in the 10,000m

- At the age of 40 years and 325 days became the oldest-ever female European athletics champion

- Ten days previously she won a bronze in the 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games

- Devon athlete only returned to the track in May, eight months after giving birth to her second child, when she won British 10,000m Championship

If you've been following this live text coverage from the very start, you've got good stamina - but you still probably wouldn't beat the next Sports Personality contender...

My horses come first - Dujardin

"He would have loved to be here tonight. He's in London Olympia because we've got a competition in three days," says Charlotte Dujardin of her horse Valegro.

"They're not just a horse they're your best friend. You know each other inside out. To have that relationship with an animal is fantastic. I started as a normal girl with dreams and I've gone way beyond whatever I thought I'd achieve."

On her relationship with fiancé Dean Golding: "On our first date, I said to him: 'my horses come first, if you don't like it you know where the door is. He chose to stick with me'."

The contender

Other

"It is the attention to detail that has won these gold medals." - Carl Hester on Charlotte Dujardin

"Her success has probably been even bigger than the Olympic legacy for British dressage" - Carl Hester on fellow London 2012 Olympic equestrian gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin.

Dujardin's year in a nutshell

- Made history by winning two gold medals at the World Equestrian Games.

- First British equestrian rider to be Olympic, world and European champion at the same time.

- Picked up gold in the freestyle and grand prix special, plus a silver in the team event on her horse Valegro.

- At Olympia, won the London stage of the dressage World Cup and holds the world record in all three elements of her sport.

"It has grace, precision, power, beauty," says Clare Balding as she introduces the next contender. "It's just like Strictly." Balding is, of course, talking about dressage.

Six years in the making - Hamilton

"I enjoyed this title more than my first because I think it was so much harder," says F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

"The first one was my dream. I told Ron [Dennis] when I was 10 I wanted to be a champion in his car.

"There's been a lot of work we've put in throughout the last six years; a lot of ups and downs and mistakes. It's been an incredible year. People questioned the move but I felt it was the right one for me. It's been an incredible year."

Graeme Swann

Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"I used to be a huge F1 fan, I grew up three miles from Silverstone. I lost interest at the start but I was glued to it by the end."

Get involved #SPOTY

Ian Kingston: What I like about about these non-mainstream sports is the lack of arrogance from the athletes. Please note footballers!!

Shelley Hunter: Watching SPOTY on BBC1. Time for some real icons, idols and people to aspire to. These people work hard every day of the year.

Jim Patterson: Pretty sure I raced and beat Adam Peaty when we were younger, now I'm watching SPOTY with a beer while he is a contender.

Plenty of dry ice for Lewis Hamilton as the doors are pulled back and he emerges from backstage. "How are you doing, Glasgow?" asks Hamilton to the crowd. He seems to have taken tips from his girlfriend Nicole on how to work a large arena. No sign of Roscoe.

The contender

other

"The drivers who are truly exceptional have something extra. Hamilton, like his childhood hero Ayrton Senna, has that X-factor" - David Coulthard, a 13-time grand prix winner, on F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton's year in a nutshell

- Became the first British driver for more than 40 years to win a second Formula 1 world title.

- Edged out Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg with victory in the last race in Abu Dhabi.

- Won 11 races during a dramatic battle for the title.

- Surpassed Nigel Mansell's British record of 31 grand prix victories and helped team win the constructors' championship.

Get involved #spotyselfie

@LiamTancock

Congratulations to Britain's Liam Tancock, who has won the prize for the most swimmers in one selfie.

"I would just like to thank everyone for your support," says Fragapane before taking a deep breath. "I'd just like to thank my mum and dad because they've been so supportive." Her Italy-born father smiles, but he isn't wearing an Italy football shirt this evening. He was seen in the Azzurri top while watching his daughter during the Commonwealths this summer.

Young Sports Personality of the Year

BBC Sport

And the winner is... Claudia Fragapane. The 17-year-old has been tipped to become Britain's greatest gymnast, in the summer the 'pocket rocket' became the first Englishwoman to win four golds at a single Commonwealth Games for 84 years and now she is the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. Take a bow, or a tumble, Claudia Fragapane.

Hacker T Dog disrupts play

We were wondering when he was going to make an appearance and there he is - popping up behind Sir Chris Hoy and Paula Radcliffe. "Where's Sue Barker?" asks Hacker, much to the amusement of Hoy and Radcliffe, and everyone else in the arena. Anyway, it's time for the first award of the evening - Young Sports Personality of the Year.

Voting is not yet open, so please do not dial the numbers below as your vote will not count and you may still be charged. Voting is due to open from around 21:23 GMT on Sunday 14 December.

Below are the longer 11-digit landline phone numbers for each candidate followed by shorter, seven-digit numbers for mobile phones.

Calls to the long number cost 15p from BT landlines. Other networks may vary and calls from mobiles will cost considerably more.

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The team is amazing - Peaty

"I had a really good winter of training and hoped that would help, but I wouldn't be here without my coach [Mel Marshall]," Peaty continues.

"The team is just amazing. In a few years' time, I hope we're going to be winning golds everywhere. It's pretty much a family.

"Patting my chest before races released the adrenalin. It's a bit painful, but it helps me swim faster. I'm just honoured to be here."

I hated the shower - Peaty

Ed Sheeran's singing rings around the arena as Adam Peaty, the youngest contender, walks down the aisle towards Clare Balding. The Swimmer has opted for brown shoes with a dark suit. Not that that's important. "I hated going in the shower, hated going in the pool. I used to cry like a baby probably until I was 12," he says of his dislike of water.

The Contender

Other

"He's had a phenomenal year competing against some of the best guys in the world" - former world swimming champion Mark Foster.

Peaty's year in a nutshell

- Swimmer became a double Commonwealth gold medallist and four-time European champion.

- At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, took gold in the 100m breaststroke and 4x100m relay medley, and a silver in the 50m breaststroke.

- In Berlin at the Europeans, broke the 50m breaststroke world record en route to winning gold in four different disciplines.

- Won silver in two individual events and team relay at the World Short Course Championships in Doha.

Britain's best team yet?

Getty Images

Six-time world champion Mark Foster says Britain has its best group of swimmers for 30 years and he has plenty to back-up his claim, with Scotland's Ross Murdoch, Wales' Jazz Carlin, England's Ben Proud and Fran Halsall all winning Commonwealth golds this summer. But the swimmer leading the new generation is the next contender... Adam Peaty.

So weird being here - Whitlock

"It feels so weird walking out here," says Whitlock, dressed in a dark suit instead of the red and white spandex he wore at the Hydro during the summer. "I want to be the best I can be and I love being in the gym, training as hard as I can."

The Contender

Other

"He has strength, power and balance - he's got the whole package" - former gymnastics world champion Beth Tweddle on Max Whitlock.

Whitlock's year in a nutshell

- Picked up a host of medals from the World, European and British Championships, and at the Commonwealth Games.

- Equalled the best all-around finish by a Briton at a World Championship, taking silver in Nanning, China.

- Took gold at the European Championships on the pommel horse.

- Won three golds, a silver and a bronze at the Commonwealths.

Gymnastics

Gabby Logan is standing next to Britain's finest gymnasts which means it must be time to be introduced to the third contender, Max Whitlock. The Englishman will enjoy returning to Glasgow, the city where he won three Commonwealth golds this summer.

Champions League win special - Bale

Warm applause for Gareth Bale as he is introduced by Gary Lineker. The Real Madrid forward isn't in Glasgow as he is doing what he does best, playing football for the Spaniards, so a video link-up will have to do.

"The special thing is the Champions League. Every footballer wants to win the biggest competition in the world so to win and score is a dream come true," says the Welshman.

"It's a bit difficult with the language but I'm learning slowly," adds Bale of life in Spain before Lineker shows off his linguistic skills and Bale giggles.

The contender

Other

"Gareth is a future Ballon d'Or winner, I would stake my life on it." - John Hartson on Gareth Bale

"I think he's up there as one of the best four or five players in the world" - John Hartson on fellow Welshman Gareth Bale.

Bale's year in a nutshell

- Shrugged off £85m price tag as world's most expensive footballer during dazzling debut season at Real Madrid.

- Former Southampton and Tottenham player clocked up 22 goals and 16 assists in 2013-2014 season.

- Netted winning goal in Copa del Rey final; first Welshman to score in a European Cup/Champions League final.

- Helped Real win 'La Decima' - a historic 10th European title. Named Welsh footballer of the year for record fourth time.

Domestic football

AP

How Liverpool fans must wish it was still the 2013-14 season... An exciting end to last season's Premier League saw Manchester City pip a Luis Suarez-inspired Liverpool to the title, ensuring a League Cup and Premier League double for Manuel Pellegrini in his first season. Easy this football management, said the Chilean.

And over in north London, Arsenal fans celebrated as their nine-year wait for a trophy ended with victory over Hull City in the FA Cup final. Football smoothly takes us to our second contender...

I'm addicted - Yarnold

"It's a tough sport and I train really hard," Yarnold tells Balding. "Just a few weeks ago, I crashed. You're travelling at 90mph, so if anything goes wrong, it's a disaster.

"When I first tried skeleton, I hated it and I swore I would never do it again - and I'm addicted now."

BBC Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray: Gutted to not be at SPOTY - but would have had to miss Man Utd v Liverpool. Nice choice to have!

For UK viewers, Match of the Day 2, featuring Guy's commentary, is on at 22:45 GMT, except in Scotland, where it starts at 23:40.

Get involved

Angela Lewis: Poor Gary Lineker - needs a hot lemon and an early night.

Samantha Wilson: Tonight is the best night of TV, love BBC's SPOTY...

Tash Newman: Clare Balding looks fabulous!

Lizzy Yarnold, looking like a Greek goddess in a long metallic Grecian dress, successfully negotiates the steps and joins Clare Balding on stage. "It's always, what car do you drive?" says Yarnold of the most popular question children ask her.

The Contender

Other

"She is the perfect form lying on the sled - I think she is going to dominate for years to come" - Amy Williams on fellow Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold.

Yarnold's year in a nutshell

- Dominated the women's skeleton event to win Great Britain's only gold medal of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

- Yarnold's victory was only GB's 10th winter title in Games history.

- Led the field throughout the four-race event in Sochi, and her winning margin of 0.97 seconds was the largest ever.

- She also secured the overall World Cup title in 2013-14, reaching the podium in seven of the eight World Cup races and winning four golds.

Winter Olympics

Getty Images

Jade Jones is on the front row at the Hydro, smiling and laughing with Nicola Adams. Equally worthy of a mention are surely the Norwegian curling team for their colourful psychedelic slacks? The team's eye-catching trousers did the trick as the men won curling gold. But let's move on to our first contender...

Winter Olympics

AP

In the words of Julie Andrews, let's start at the very beginning because it's a very good place to start.

Ah, the Winter Olympics where Jenny Jones won Britain's first Olympic medal on the snow with a dramatic slopestyle bronze, Britain had weeks of curling fever as the men and women took silver and bronze and one woman, Lizzy Yarnold, returned from Russia with something a lot more precious than love (possibly) - gold.

John Inverdale

BBC Radio 5 live presenter

"Gareth Bale is the only one of the ten finalists not here, he is in Morocco playing an exhibition match, but will be available via video link."

Get involved #spotyselfie

@JessTaylor25

British heptathlete Jess Taylor had time just before the show got under way to grab this selfie with Sports Personality nominee Jo Pavey.

The contenders

BBC

The public can vote for their favourite by phone or online during the programme on Sunday, 14 December

Just in case you've forgotten, or aren't aware what's happening this evening, the reason why we're here tonight is to find out who will be crowned 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The 10 contenders, in alphabetical order, are: Gareth Bale, Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Froch, Kelly Gallagher & Charlotte Evans, Lewis Hamilton, Rory McIlroy, Jo Pavey, Adam Peaty, Max Whitlock and Lizzy Yarnold.

"Show your appreciation for one of Scotland's greatest bands, Simple Minds," says Andrew Cotter before Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan appear on stage to a wild reception. Prince Harry mumbles something to Jonny Wilkinson. They both laugh, but stop suddenly once they realise the cameras are on them. Careful, boys.

McGinley loves his Irons

Frank Keogh

BBC Sport in Glasgow

PA

Europe's victorious Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has another reason to celebrate at the end of 2014 - the form of his favourite football team, West Ham, who are fourth in the Premier League.

"I've supported them since the 1975 Cup final, when they beat Fulham and I was seven or eight years old. I liked the claret and blue and I've been West Ham ever since," said McGinley.

"I'm looking forward to seeing them playing against some of the top teams going forward in the next few months and hopefully we can stay clear of injuries."

And we're off. It's that familiar Sports Personality soundtrack... the smashing of cymbals, trumpets... and Jim Kerr's Simple Minds starts singing 'Waterfront'. "Get in, get out of the rain," he sings. "I'm goin' to move on up to the Waterfront." The crowd are clapping... glow sticks are waving... They didn't have any of this in 1954.

First female winner

Getty Images

1962, what a year that was. The BBC broadcast the first episode of Z-Cars, Panda crossings were introduced in Britain (don't ask, think zebra crossing but with triangles), the first legal casino opened in Britain and Anita Lonsbrough became the first female to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The swimmer, then 21, had won Commonwealth gold in the 110 yards breaststroke, 220 yards breaststroke and 440 yards individual medley, adding to the Olympic 200m breaststroke gold she won in Rome two years earlier.

Athletics stars on top

BBC Sport

Here's a fact for you. More BBC Sport Personality winners have come from the world of athletics than any other sport. Seventeen of the previous 60 winners have plied their trade in track and field, with the second most popular sport, Formula 1, providing six winners.

Get involved #spotyselfie

@_SamanthaMurray

World modern pentathlon champion Samantha Murray gets in on the selfie act. On one side, comedian Eddie Izzard, on the other, British tennis player Lisa Whybourn.

Moments of the year

Hannah Cockroft

Paralympic and world champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"It has to be Jordanne Whiley winning the US Open in the wheelchair tennis to win the Grand Slam."

What were your favourite sporting moments of the year? Tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #SPOTY

The year in 60 (ish) words

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Sochi hosted the Winter Olympics, thankfully there was gold and snow, and as the frost and chill made way for spring, the Six Nations warmed and Ireland went into full bloom.

Getty Images

The summer sizzled: Wimbledon's red-hot aces, the World Cup's scorching goals and Commonwealth golds in a baking(ish) Glasgow.

Getty Images

And in Gleneagles there was an Indian Summer as Europe's Ryder Cup team came on top once more.

Moments of the year

Graeme Swann

Former England cricketer on BBC Radio 5 live

"For someone desperate to play golf, it was great to see Europe beating the Yanks. And my mate Alastair Cook scoring 90 at the Rose Bowl towards the end of the summer."

Frank Keogh

BBC Sport in Glasgow

Scottish band Simple Minds will be opening the show - and frontman Jim Kerr recalled their song Waterfront, which was written about the area of the River Clyde where the SSE Hydro now stands.

"It is amazing to see it now, there has been so much regeneration," said Kerr.

"It's a sign of the progress made that the show is here and it will be great to perform in our home town."

And the winner is... Barry McCochran?

BBC Sport

If you are going to peek through the BBC Sports Personality archives, turn your attention to 1985 the year Barry McGuigan won - or Barry McCochran as he was named when the announcement was made, much to the amusement of Frank Bruno who was sitting next to him.

Crowd warming up

Presenters Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Gary Lineker have appeared on stage to say hello to the crowd. "There's going to be a lot of noise tonight," predicts Logan, looking resplendent in a blue and black dress. Lineker is remaining silent, though, as the Match of the Day presenter has a sore throat. Best get gargling some whiskey, Gary.

Sports Personality's oldest winner

BBC Sport

I'm not one to tell tales, but in 1957 Dai Rees apparently became a national celebrity after helping Europe's Ryder Cup team to victory for their first win over the United States since 1933. The Welshman, then 44, remains the oldest winner of the award.

Time for a sing-song

So, this is what we've got in store for us this evening and, being as we're all (probably) feeling festive, let's sing it to the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas:

At tonight's Sports Personality there will be... Simple Minds singing, Hacker T Dog, a team of the year, lots of clapping, even more voting, plenty of dry ice, a Royal guest, thousands of selfies, a lifetime achievement, an unsung hero, one happy coach and a BBC Sports personality-y-y-y-y.

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And breathe.

Gie it laldy, Nicola

@NickyBenedetti

Violinist Nicola Benedetti, who will be performing as part of tonight's Sports Personality show, has found some words of inspiration. For our non-Scottish audience, 'Gie it laldy' translates roughly as 'give it your all'.

"I will be exactly that tonight," she tweets.

John Inverdale on the mic

BBC Radio 5 live

The red carpet coverage has now finished, mainly because there isn't anyone on it anymore. The carpet isn't actually the reason why Britain's best sports stars are here this evening.

But don't go thinking you can turn your attentions onto Strictly Come Dancing or X-Factor because live coverage has begun on BBC Radio 5 live - and the show itself will be broadcast live on BBC1 and online at 20:00 GMT.

Get involved #spotyselfie

@MJ88Live

Michael Jamieson: Having a blast at SPOTY tonight - got my selfie in with Rory McIlroy.

Red carpet goes barking mad for Roscoe

PA

We weren't making it up. Sports Personality contender Lewis Hamilton has turned up with his bulldog Roscoe and there are pictures to prove it. Hopefully the Briton has brought his pooper scooper with him because I don't think Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan or Clare Balding have such tasks written into their contracts. Hopefully no-one at the BBC has...

I just can't believe it - Pavey

Nominee Jo Pavey, who won European Championship gold in the 10,000m, at the age of 40: "Glasgow was such an amazing experience. I was more surprised than anyone else.

"I was just hoping for a team place as I was still breastfeeding in April.

"To be here as one of the 10 is unbelievable.

"I feel so honoured. It's happened at the happiest part of my life. I have two lovely children and a supportive husband, it's so special."

A knight to remember

BBC Sport

It wouldn't be a Scottish sporting knees-up without three-time Formula 1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart.

"Both Lewis and Nico [Rosberg] were pushing and shoving. It made it exciting," he says of this year's season finale. "I would like to have seen closer racing within the rest of the field, but it was still a good year. Fernando Alonso has the best brains of any racing driver, so it's going to be exciting next year."

Get involved #spotyselfie

@Sherwinn_

Kate Sherwin: Me with Greg Rutherford - an absolute gentleman.

Rutherford leapt (ahem) to prominence by winning Olympic gold in the long jump at London 2012, before this year taking the European title in Zurich and the Commonwealth crown in Glasgow.

Carl Froch

Boxer Carl Froch, one of the SPOTY nominees: "Just arrived @BBCSPOTY looking forward to the show. Thanks for the support."

A lifetime of memories for Hoy

PA

Sir Chris Hoy will, of course, receive the Lifetime Achievement award this evening and the Scot has been reflecting on his remarkable cycling career.

"I would have said my first gold medal at the Athens Olympics couldn't be topped, until London 2012. The last medal was so emotional. When I watch the video of it now, I still get goosebumps," he tells Lee McKenzie.

"Every time I watch a bike race, I want to be out there. I was at the World Cup in London, and I wanted to be out there. But it was great to watch the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow."