Luke Littler to skip Sports Personality of the Year ceremony because BBC ‘already know winner’

Luke Littler has revealed that he will be skipping the Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony next week.

The 18-year-old darts world champion made the shortlist for the award alongside five more of the UK’s biggest sporting stars.

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He is in contention for the prestigious prize after a history-making year, as he rose to number one in the darts world rankings.

Littler started 2025 by winning the World Darts Championship, with his defence now underway, before claiming many more titles.

The teenager won the Grand Slam of Darts, World Grand Prix, Players Championship, World Matchplay and the UK Open too.

His remarkable journey saw him become one of the favourites to claim the Sports Personality of the Year award this winter.

However, it appears Littler has ruled himself out of getting his hands on the trophy already, so he won’t be attending the awards, which will be held on Thursday, December 18.

He revealed after winning his first round match at the World Championship on Thursday: “No, I’m not going to it.

“I think they (the BBC) know. I think obviously the people in the top three on the betting odds will obviously go there.“

Littler isn’t currently in the top three in the betting odds, with England star Chloe Kelly, new F1 world champion Lando Norris and golf career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy leading the way.

But despite admitting his own chances were low, he made sure to predict who he thinks is going to claim the award.

The reigning darts world champion said: “I think Lando will win. 

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“I think I’ve only missed out on four majors this year. So if I won them, do I win it?

“But good luck to whoever’s going to win it.”

Norris tipped to win

Littler believes that F1 superstar Norris will win Sports Personality of the Year this time around.

The McLaren driver won the Drivers’ Championship last weekend, beating Max Verstappen by two points.

It was his first career world title and he followed in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton to become the 11th British driver to do so.

He’s not the bookies’ favourite heading into the ceremony though.

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Who else is nominated for SPOTY?

McIlroy is odds-on to win the award next week after his remarkable year on the golf course, completing his story.

The Northern Irishman won The Masters to finally achieve the career Grand Slam and write his name in the history books.

He is now considered one of golf’s greats, also starring in Europe’s Ryder Cup win and triumphing in the Players Championship this year.

Female England stars Kelly and Hannah Hampton are also nominated, having helped lead the Lionesses to European Championship glory.

The pair are ahead of Littler in the betting odds as things stand.

England rugby star Ellie Kildunne has also made the shortlist, becoming the first female player ever to be nominated.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner odds (talkSPORT BET)

• Rory McIlroy – 1/2
• Lando Norris – 4/1
• Chloe Kelly – 5/1
• Hannah Hampton – 16/1
• Luke Littler – 18/1
• Ellie Kildunne – 70/1