Andy Murray named 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year

“We were down in the bottom level of tennis and now we’re number one in the world and I never thought that would be possible”, Murray added.

Mr McGuinness said: “We believe that the remarks that were made by Tyson Fury were disgraceful, they were appalling, they were misogynistic, they were homophobic and they have no place in a modern society”. The Nottingham youngster also helped secure Great Britain’s first ever team medal at a World Championships when they also picked up a bronze. “I dedicate my life to this sport”.

Kevin Sinfield came second while Jessica Ennis-Hill was third.

“Thank you very much”.

“I am someone who was the subject of an attempt made by the Thatcher administration to put pressure on the BBC to not show a programme that I participated in, so I don’t think as a politician that I should dictate to broadcasters what should be on the airwaves or not”. I’d rather have the debate about why what he says, in my eyes, is wrong than tell him to shut up and go away.

“I do genuinely love it and I am proud to compete for Great Britain always”.

“I am a big boxing fan”.

Murray – picking up the award for the second time- joked about the media perception of his personality.

Twelve leading sportsmen and women were shortlisted for the award, including Fury who many critics claim shouldn’t have been on the list after his controversial statements about gay people, women and abortion.

He said: “To any young people watching tonight’s show – all that I can say is make the sacrifices because it is worth it”.

As he arrived on the red carpet amid a flurry of camera flashes, Fury declined to give any interviews. “If I’ve said anything in the past that has hurt anyone, I apologise because it wasn’t my intention to do that”.

Great Britain’s tennis team won the Team of the Year Award following their outstanding Davis Cup success.

Lomu – who had won the same award in 1995 – died suddenly in November aged 40.

Jockey A P McCoy received the Lifetime Achievement Award after bringing his illustrious riding career in horse racing to a close in April.

It’s the sports personality of the year, and his personality is very disagreeable because his views are vile. Despite having cerebral palsy, Bailey completed the Castle Howard Triathlon in North Yorkshire in July, conquering the 100m swim, 4km bike ride and 1.3km run.

Matthews won the Helen Rollason Award for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.

The country finished top of its qualifying group to reach a major tournament for the first time since the 1986 World Cup.

He said he was humbled by the honour.

The awards were presented by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan in front of a 7,500 strong crowd in Belfast, the first time the event has been hosted in Northern Ireland.

This year’s Get Inspired Unsung Hero prize went to West Belfast man Damien Lindsay, who formed St James Swifts football club to prevent young people in his local area from being dragged into anti social behaviour like rioting.