Gabby Logan prompted Christmas row over SPOTY remark that offended viewers
Some viewers criticised BBC presenter Gabby Logan after she made one comment at the Sports Personality of the Year awards that led to accusations of being “woke”
Veteran presenter Gabby Logan will be hoping Thursday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony proceeds without incident. This come after a particular choice of phrase sparked debate at last year’s event.
The BBC stalwart faced criticism from sections of the British public after choosing not to say “Merry Christmas” and opting for the more inclusive alternative as she wished audiences a “happy festive season.” And it adds an extra air of anticipation as Rory McIlroy guns for the top prize in this year’s selection.
Christmas is a Christian holiday, and many now use alternative phrases to be more welcoming to people of different faiths (or those who don’t follow one at all). This was clearly enough to annoy some viewers, and she’ll hope to avoid any similar disturbances as she announces the winner of a six-person shortlist on Thursday.
This prompted claims that Logan and the BBC had become “woke.” Numerous critics flocked to social media to voice their displeasure.
One distressed spectator posted: “@BBCSport #SportsPersonalityoftheYear ‘Happy and healthy festive season’ Gabby Logan what’s wrong with saying Christmas, or is that word banned incase someone is offended?”
Another observer remarked: “Sports Personality evening marred by Gabby Logan wishing us all a very happy festive season, have we become afraid of saying Christmas?”
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Those criticising the more inclusive festive greeting could arguably be seen as the ones taking offence, and not the other way around. The SPOTY awards are broadcast annually to a diverse audience, many of whom may not identify as Christian and could feel alienated by Christmas-specific messages.
Logan, 52, co-hosted the awards show with Clare Balding and Alex Scott, all of whom will return for Thursday’s event. The Sports Personality of the Year consistently draws in millions of viewers, with a peak in 2012 when 14.5million people watched Bradley Wiggins’ victory.
Rory McIlroy is currently the bookies’ favourite to win this year after achieving golf’s career Grand Slam with his Masters victory. His closest competitor is Lando Norris, who secured the Formula 1 world championship earlier this month.
England footballers Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are also contenders, having led the Lionesses to the Euro 2025 title. They’re joined on the shortlist by darts world champion Luke Littler and England rugby star Ellie Kildunne, who also became a world champion this year.
Each of them is hoping to succeed Keely Hodgkinson, last year’s winner. Hodgkinson clinched the title after her triumph in the women’s 800 metres at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Over the years, Logan has established herself as a BBC stalwart and further bolstered her CV when she was announced as one of Gary Lineker’s co-successors on Match of the Day. However, many will be eagerly anticipating how she chooses to wrap up this year’s event.
