Before we continue, it's time to make sure you're in a position to vote for your winner later this evening.

To do that, you must sign in to a BBC account.

Voting will be available by phone and via the BBC Sport website when it opens during the main show. The phone number to call for each contender will be revealed during the programme.

Viewers who wish to vote online will need to sign in to a BBC account at https://www.bbc.com/signin.

If you do not yet have a BBC account, you can register for one for free at https://www.bbc.com/register.

While we begin to take a look back on what happened in 2023, we'd love to hear about the moments in sport which have stood out for you.

Was there a standout performance or achievement that you will remember above all others?

Perhaps somebody provided a moment that will live long in the memory for reasons which transcend sport?

Let us know your sporting highlight of the past 12 months.

You can do that via #bbcspoty, text us on 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or drop us a message on WhatsApp on 03301231826.

Image source, Getty Images

It has been a non-stop year of global sporting events, throughout which we witnessed incredible performances, unbelievable feats and major talking points.

Squeezed in to the past 12 months we’ve had a Women’s World Cup, both the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup, the men’s Cricket World Cup and home Ashes series, the World Athletics Championships, the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup – on top of all the competitions which provide us with countless memorable moments every year.

With so much going on, choosing who deserves your vote for Sports Personality of the Year is certainly no easy task.

Voting for the main award opens later in the evening and before it does we'll take you through who is in contention and what you need to do to have your say.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC One

Tonight’s show from MediaCityUK in Salford will be live on BBC One from 19:00 GMT.

The 70th awards will be brought to you by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and Gabby Logan – and you'll also be able to follow it live at the top of this page.

Voting for Sports Personality of the Year opens later in the show.

Hello one and all - and welcome to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023!

The time has come for us to celebrate another spectacular 12 months of sport, with this the 70th awards show.

As ever, there has been no shortage of significant moments for us to reflect on this year, and we will do just that throughout the evening.

Stick with us as we bring you build up to the show, all the awards and the reaction as it happens - plus we want to hear from you about your highlights. More on that shortly.

And, at the end of it all, it will be up to you to decide who is crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year...