Frank Keogh
BBC Sport

You know it's Christmas when Sports Personality is on - so what better than a decorated former winner by a well-decorated tree. 

The retired 20-time champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy won the main award in 2009 and picked up the lifetime achievement award last year.

Accompanied by wife Chanelle, he said: "It's an amazing night and such a prestigious award. What I say to all sportspeople is make the most of it because it's scary how quickly it all goes."

We've put together a list of those sporting men and women we have lost since last year's show. You can find that here.

Whilst we remember those sporting icons that have passed away this year let's not forget those Unsung Heroes who we have also lost as well. Here are just two of them:

Geoff Wickens - a dedicated teacher and sports coach in Reading who sadly died of cancer in July, aged 57, the day before he was due to retire.

He ran football, cricket and hockey teams and a successful House sports programme which provided internal sporting opportunities for so many.

Image source, BBC Sport

Nick Pinnock - a passionate dodgeball coach, Nick was the adult competitions co-ordinator for the UKDBA. He was also a member of the European dodgeball federation and was a key part of unifying the rules across Europe.

Since his passing his job has been replaced by two people to cover the amount of work he put into his role. He worked tirelessly to please everyone, put simply his life was dodgeball. 

Image source, BBC Sport

Muhammad Ali: 1942-2016

Image source, Getty Images

The numbers behind the team.

Leicester are announced as team of the year...and the whole squad miss their cue to get out of their seats and go to the stage! 

Marvellous. 

Captain Wes Morgan (eventually) accepts the award, and the Foxes fans in the crowd give him nice chant of encouragement. 

Image source, .

Michael Phelps on stage, accepting his lifetime achievement award: "My career started with a career and a dream of winning an Olympic gold. 

"To be able to retire exactly how I wanted to, this year has been a dream come true. To welcome Boomer and get married and to retire with the greatest end to a career I could have had.

"Thank you. this means the world."

A well deserved standing ovation for the big man, Michael Phelps. 

His award is given to him by HRH Prince William and the prince of the pool, Ian Thorpe.

"You're one of the greatest sporting icons the world has ever had," said the Duke of Cambridge.

"You should be so proud of your achievements. Hopefully your retirement gives someone else the chance to win now."

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Vote online here., external

Image source, Rex Features

And how could Phelps not have been inspired when his little lad, Boomer, was there supporting him.

Just look at those cheeks!

It's been another phenomenal year for Michael Phelps, who now has more Olympic gold medals than coasters.

He took his overall tally to 23 golds, three silvers and two bronze in Rio.

Oh yeah, and he got married. Twice.

He, in his words, "signed the paperwork" in June and then threw a lavish bash in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to celebrate the nuptials.

Want more gossip on Phelps' big day? Head here., external

Here's record-breaking swimmer Michael Phelps, who is being honoured with the lifetime achievement award this evening.

The American, 31, won his 23rd Olympic gold in his final Games in Rio.

The most decorated Olympian of all time, he claimed five golds and a silver this year.

He joins a star-studded list of previous lifetime award winners also including former footballer Pele and ex-golfer Seve Ballesteros.

The boy's special.

Vote for your Sports Personality of the Year here.

It's simple, really.

Simone Biles, at 19-years-old, is the reigning 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor champion. 

She was also part of the gold medal-winning USA team in Rio and secured a bronze medal for the balance. 

This 4ft 8in gymnast from Texas also has an incredible backstory. She was placed into foster care because of her mother's struggles with drugs and alcohol and adopted when she was five by her maternal grandfather and his wife.

Now, she's being hailed as one of the greatest athletes America has ever produced.     

Vote for your Sports Personality of the Year here.

Image source, Getty Images

Congratulations to everyone's favourite tumbling pocket-rocket...

Vote for your Sports Personality of the Year here.

You can vote online here.

Emily X: #SPOTY is making me feel so proud to be British.

Janet Hopper: Choosing #SPOTY is so tough ... why are @BBCSport making us chose. 

Andy Cleave: All nominees would be worthy winners though and inspirational for what they have achieved.

Image source, Rex Features

Yep, we played some ELO during that VT of the overseas superstars.

Why? Well, ELO are from Birmingham and these awards are taking place... in Birmingham.

The show's producers put a lot of time and effort into this, you know.