Heptathelete Jessica Ennis was the only woman to receive a gong, taking third place. Darts player Phil Taylor came second with jockey Tony McCoy awarded the title BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The Grand National winner took more than four times as many votes as the runner-up, Phil Taylor.

Tom Daley became double champion at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi earlier this year. He then added the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Award to his collection of prizes. Tom also won this award in 2007 and 2009.

David Beckham stole the show when he was awarded the BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement Award. The standing ovation he received went on so long the football star became emotional and had to wipe away a tear! He thanked his family and friends and dedicated the award to the men and women of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan.