Jess Ennis-Hill in good spot for SPOTY

Sheffield’s Jessica Ennis-Hill remains second favourite to win the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award - but it is Tyson Fury who continues to dominate the headlines.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Dec 2015, 20:02 GMT
Jess Ennis after her 2012 Olympic winJess Ennis after her 2012 Olympic win
Jess Ennis after her 2012 Olympic win

Greg Rutherford has confirmed that he wrote to the BBC requesting removal from the SPOTY shortlist over the corporation’s controversial inclusion of Fury. Rutherford said he was subsequently convinced to withdraw his request after meeting BBC executives but retains grave concerns over Fury’s “out-dated and derogatory comments.”

Rutherford tweeted: “I have opinions, of which I was privately clear. I DID pull out of SPOTY, on Sunday I wrote to the BBC requesting removal. “Throughout the next 2 days the SPOTY team asked me to stay on.

“Also, I realised my nomination meant so much to my family.

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“I then asked myself, do I really want to disappoint my own family just because of a bigot’s views? The answer was no.”

Fury said heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill “slaps up good” and “looks quite fit” in a dress.

He also launched a foul-mouthed tirade at signatories of a petition - now numbering over 100,000, calling for his removal from the programme.

Related topics:Tyson FuryBBC