One of the biggest nights in Britain's sporting calendar will come to Birmingham after the BBC announced the Sports Personality of the Year awards would take place here.

Anthony Joshua, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Jamie Vardy are among the favourites to pick up the top prize on December 18 – and it will be handed out at the Genting Arena.

The star-studded event will broadcast live on BBC One and hosted by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan.

It promises to bring a host of A-list celebrities into the region and is the first time it has been hosted here since 2010.

Andy Murray picks up last year's title

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Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: "Our past visits to Birmingham have been a great success and we've no doubt that will be repeated with this year's show."

Last year saw Davis Cup winner and former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray pick up the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award at the SSE Arena in Belfast, watched by nearly ten million viewers.

This year, there is a chance of a Midland winner with Vardy, star striker behind Leicester City's fairytale Premier League title success, the current favourite and Uttoxeter swimmer Adam Peaty also considered a possible winner.

England's Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring against Wales
England's Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring against Wales

Elsewhere, England's all-conquering rugby team could offer up a winner or it could be Masters champion Danny Willett.

Director of BBC Academy and BBC Birmingham Joe Godwin added: "From the Ashes at Edgbaston to the Ryder Cup at the Belfry and athletics at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham is no stranger to hosting world class sporting events and we're honoured to be rolling out the red carpet for BBC Sports Personality of The Year.

"The city has a zealous population of sports-mad fans and is home to many sporting greats so we're looking forward to giving the event the celebration it deserves."

Tickets will go on sale later this year.