SOME of the biggest names in sport arrived on the red carpet ahead of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards on Thursday night.
The star-studded event saw an array of talent on show for the ceremony at MediaCity in Salford.
Master champion golf star Rory McIlroy – who is the favourite to win SPOTY – was one of the first big names seen on the red carpet wearing a simple black suit.
He was followed by Lionesses Chloe Kelly, who was also in the running for the prize after helping England win the Euros.
Kelly stunned in a black, floor-length gown with sculpted shoulders and plunging neckline.
Fellow shortlister and England rugby World Cup hero Ellie Kildunne was also seen arriving for the glamorous ceremony.
She wowed in a white dress with polka dots and matching white bag.
Earlier on, England star Lucy Bronze was seen arriving in a black suit and purple tie – hoping to see one of her fellow Lionesses Hannah Hampton or Chloe Kelly win the gong.
There were also appearances from British Paralympic swimmer Georgia Sheffield
The favourites for the SPOTY award include darts star Luke Littler, Formula One champion Lando Norris and Masters champion Rory McIlroy.
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The reigning champion is Keely Hodgkinson, who pipped Littler and Joe Root to the trophy in 2024.
Littler will be hopeful of claiming the award this time around after an incredible year saw him win the World Darts Championship and a string of other darts triumphs.
But McIlroy was the firm favourite after his superb year that saw him claim the green jacket at Augusta after beating Justin Rose.
He also helped secure the Ryder Cup for Team Europe before capping things off by winning the Race to Dubai.
The coverage of the evening will led by Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Alex Scott.
