BBC CHIEFS have axed plans for a 500 strong studio audience at this year’s Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.
The 2021 awards do is set to take place in Salford on December 19.
Organisers had planned for a live audience of more than 500, featuring the great and the good of British sport.
But amid Covid-19 fears and a Government announcement confirming an increase in safety measures following the spread of Omicron, that number is set to be slashed to fewer than 50.
The ceremony is now expected to look a lot like last year’s, when the number of attendees was similarly limited due to Covid fears.
Beeb bosses have had to withdraw invites as they aim to limit the threat of a Covid outbreak.
A BBC spokesperson told The Times: “The health and safety of those attending BBC Sports Personality of the Year is always our primary concern.
“Following the announcement from the UK government that new coronavirus measures are to be introduced in England, we’ve taken the decision not to have a studio audience at this year’s event.
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“The show will go ahead with essential staff and contributors and we will of course follow all government and industry guidance.”
Last year’s event was attended by the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson – but those not directly involved in proceedings weren’t admitted.
British F1 hero Lewis Hamilton bagged the main award during last year’s ceremony.
But he may miss out this year – irrespective of whether he edges out Max Verstappen as a thrilling season comes to an end in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Breakthrough tennis star Emma Raducanu is the overwhelming favourite to this year’s award – after her stunning US Open triumph as a qualifier in September.
