It’s a show designed to celebrate the year’s greatest sporting triumphs. But this year the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year has sparked backlash following an unusual sign-off by presenter Gabby Logan. Instead of wishing viewers a traditional ‘Merry Christmas,’ the 51-year-old opted for a more neutral ‘happy festive season,’ which has stoked yet more accusations that the Corporation has gone woke and that Christmas is ‘banned’ on the BBC.
![[Gabby Logan was joined by Clare Balding, 53, and Alex Scott, 40, to host the ceremony which honoured sports stars for their outstanding achievements (L to R Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Alex Scott)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/12/93266737-14205725-The_Ceremony_which_honoured_sports_stars_for_their_outstanding_a-a-1_1734526235370.jpg)
Some viewers were quick to lash out online after the awards on Tuesday evening, accusing the BBC of being ‘afraid’ of acknowledging Christmas. One online critic said: ‘What is wrong with saying Christmas? Or is this word banned in case someone is offended?’.
![[Instead of wishing viewers a traditional ‘Merry Christmas ,’ Gabby Logan (pictured) opted for a more neutral ‘happy festive season']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/13/93273973-14205725-image-a-13_1734527882397.jpg)
Another said: ‘Sports personality evening marred by Gabby Logan wishing us all a very happy festive season, have we become afraid of saying Christmas?’. It comes as the show was also slammed by viewers for its ‘woke’ all-female presenting lineup this year.
Ms Logan was joined by Clare Balding, 53, and Alex Scott, 40, to host the ceremony which honoured sports stars for their outstanding achievements. This year the BBC ’s Sports Personality of the Year has sparked backlash following an unusual sign-off by presenter Gabby Logan.
Gabby Logan was joined by Clare Balding, 53, and Alex Scott, 40, to host the ceremony which honoured sports stars for their outstanding achievements (L to R Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Alex Scott). But despite their extensive broadcasting and sports experience across gymnastics, football, swimming, rugby, and horse racing, some viewers were left frustrated by the absence of a single male presenter.
