Grapevine: Button favourite for BBC award

The Briton, who clinched his maiden title after winning six races this year, is going up against a host of other leading sporting stars including tennis player Andy Murray, cycling's Mark Cavendish, world champion diver Tom Daley, footballer Ryan Giggs, athletics world champion heptathlete Jessica Ennis and triple jumper Phillips Idowu.

Heavyweight boxer David Haye, England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, and world gymnastics champion Beth Tweddle are the other candidates.

The winner will be chosen by the public on the night of the live BBC show, which takes place at the Sheffield Arena on December 13.

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, said: "The reaction of viewers and those members of the public who have been able to attend the event in the last three years has been fantastic and we hope this year in Sheffield will continue that trend.

"It's been another great year of sport and the event promises to be another show to remember.

"It's a tremendous cast list and a great experience for the audience in the venue, and we hope this year will be a classic."