GIVE ERL SPOTY PRIZE

(Well, he was born in Leeds)

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ONE of the BBC's flagship shows celebrates a special birthday this year. Sports Personality of the Year will be 70.

And one quick glance at the lack of 'personalities' in the frame to scoop the gong in 2023 leaves the show both looking and feeling its age.

The Beeb sent out an email plugging the event, which will take place in Salford on December 19. The nominees will be announced 'in due course!

But the fact the memo highlighted Team GB's success at the World Athletics Championships and the UCI Cycling World Championships suggests we could be in for a shortlist that's, well, short on sparkle and superstardom.

With respect to athletics and cycling, neither spring to mind when people consider mainstream sports.

The last two winners have been Beth Mead and Emma Raducanu, who both then vanished without trace due to a combination of injuries and loss of form.

Perhaps it has become cursed?