https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/sport/2019/10/31/TELEMMGLPICT000183846534_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqPuL-8ex6Wxr3HGFUi6PIc45tImKey5x700iKis9lGeo.jpeg?imwidth=450
Who will the public choose as this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year  Credit: PA

SPOTY 2019: What time does it start tonight, what TV channel is it on and who are the contenders?

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What is it?

It's the BBC's long-standing end of year sports review show which crowns this year's Sports Personality of the Year.  It remains one of sport’s most prestigious awards.

When is it?

It is on Sunday December 15. 

Where is it?

For the first time, SPOTY will be hosted by Aberdeen at the city's new P&J Live Arena. Tickets for the even sold out in five minutes. 

What time will it start?

Coverage begins at 7pm GMT, finishing at 9pm GMT. This year's winner will be announced in the 15 minutes before the end of the show.

How can I watch it?

BBC One and BBC website will have live coverage of the show, presented by Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Gary Lineker. Alternatively, you can bookmark this page read all the latest with our rolling blog.

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Last year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony

Who are the contenders?

There is no longer an advanced short-list - six contenders will be announced on the night. Ben Stokes is a well-fancied favourite to wear the crown after his stunning unbeaten stand at Headingley to win England an Ashes Test from an improbable position, and his star role in a dramatic World Cup final against New Zealand. England Rugby Union captain Owen Farrell, world 200-metre champion Dina Asher-Smith and world heptathlon champion Katrina Johnson-Thompson are his closest challengers.

What are the latest odds?

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Ben Stokes is a heavy favourite to win SPOTY Credit: PA

Who won last year's award?

As our own Tom Cary put it in his report on the night: 

In extraordinary week for cycling and for Team Sky ended last night with 2018 Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. Thomas, 32, beat Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton into second place, with England striker Harry Kane third. As ever with Spoty, there was just as much debate over those who failed to make the cut as those who did. Georgia Hall, who won her first major title with a two-shot victory at the Women's British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes, was omitted from the six-person shortlist - her contribution to the sporting year given just 10 seconds of airtime during the glitzy ceremony - as was Tyson Fury, who climbed off the canvas earlier this month to secure a dramatic draw with heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder out in Los Angeles.

What other awards will be presented?