BBC viewers slam Sports Personality of the Year hosts as ‘sexism’ row sparked: ‘Wokefest!’
The BBC’s annual Sports Personality of the Year aired on Monday, with some of the biggest names in the UK sporting sphere gathering to celebrate their victories of 2024.
Hosts Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Clare Balding opened the show, but just minutes in, some viewers complained the absence of any male host was “sexist”.
Last year, the same trio presented along with Gary Lineker, who had been a staple of the awards since 2001.
The change comes following Lineker’s recent announcement that he will step down from Match of the Day after 25 years as the programme’s main host.
The 64-year-old confirmed his departure from both Match of the Day and Sports Personality of the Year in November.
Tuesday’s 2024 show saw the three women take to the stage along with the celebrated stars, with Logan, 51, commenting: “Wow, what a way to kick us off, and what a constellation of sporting stars we have seen in action this year.”
“Thank you to those on the stage and all of you who are with us here tonight – the class of 2024,” Scott, 40, added.
She continued: “Welcome to Salford, and welcome to Sports Personality of the Year.”
“We have been busy putting together quite a show for you,” 53-year-old Balding went on.
She added: “And what a year, from Paralympics to Olympics, Wimbledon to the Euros, it’s been a stand-out 12 months, and we will relive it together tonight.
“And, of course, at the end of it all, we will crown The 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.”
The ceremony acknowledges UK-based athletes who have impacted the world of sports throughout the year, with winners chosen by public vote.
Fans were left distracted by the presenting trio though, with many taking to X to complain about the all-female line-up.
“Why is it ok to have all three presenters of #spoty women, but they’d never have three men? Men do quite a lot of sport, BBC!” one fumed.
A second asked: “What’s happened to diversity and inclusion at the BBC? All women presenters. #SPOTY.”
“A pale imitation of what the event used to be. Wokefest with three women presenters,” someone else remarked.
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“How disappointing @BBCSport. Three women presenters for Sports Personality of the Year that doesn’t seem fair or equal!” another echoed.
A different X user added: “#SPOTY don’t the BBC have any male presenters anymore? 3 women presenting this programme.”
“BBC gone too far the other way now. No male presenters on #spoty #bbc What happened to balance?” someone else shared.
Others had positive reviews of the show though, with one writing: “#SPOTY is one of my annual Christmas traditions – flippin love it.”
“I love Gabby Logan,” another commented. (sic)
Viewers who stay tuned in will find out at the which sporting legend ends up receiving the coveted title of Sports Personality of the Year.