Switch to Mid-Week

For the second year in a row, BBC Sport's Personality of the Year awards show will be held on December 19, in a departure from its traditional Sunday slot. This change was initially made last year to avoid a clash with the Qatar World Cup final, and it has now become permanent to accommodate more sports stars.

Attendance Challenges

Previous winners, such as Sir Lewis Hamilton and Emma Raducanu, have been unable to attend the show in recent years. The mid-week date, however, clashes with the Carabao Cup match between Chelsea and Newcastle.

Positive Outlook

Despite the scheduling conflict, the BBC remains optimistic about the switch. Last year's event saw similar viewing figures to previous editions, attracting around 3.3 million viewers. The ceremony will take place in Media City, Salford, as it has for the past three years.

Cost-Cutting Measure

Previously held in various cities across the UK, the decision has been made to host the Spoty awards in one location, aiming to reduce costs. The regular hosts, Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan, Clare Balding, and Alex Scott, will all return to helm the show.

Favorites to Win

England Women's star Mary Earps is the frontrunner for the Spoty 2023 award. Following her impressive performances at the World Cup, where she saved a penalty in the final, Earps won the Fifa Best goalkeeper of the year. If successful, she would become the second Lioness to win the award in two years, following Beth Mead's victory last year. Other contenders include England cricketer Stuart Broad, who retired after The Ashes this year, as well as Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Frankie Dettori.