Stars of sport out in force in Liverpool for Sports Personality of the Year

The stars of sport were out in force for the Sports Personality of the Year awards in Liverpool last night.

The awards made the first return to the city for the first time in 10 years when it took place at the Echo Arena.

Speaking after the show ended, via the same troublesome link, Farah said: "It's incredible. To be honest with you, I never thought I'd win having come so close in 2011."

"Over the years, I've come third, fourth, or thereabouts, and I was like, 'This thing is hard to win'. But I guess you just got to do what you've got to do and over the last 10 years I've been very lucky with the career I've had.

"I'm kind of shocked. I didn't have any speech prepared.''

Asked if he wished he had attended in person, he said: Yeah, I do wish I was there - it would have been nice to give something back to the people - but the most important thing in my life is my family.

"My son is ill and my twins have been sick. It's been pretty hard moving back from the US - they've been struggling a bit and that's why I couldn't be here tonight.

"My son was actually in the other room, throwing up everywhere. But I do owe it to the public and the people who supported me - I just want to thank everyone who voted for me. I can't stop staring at (the award).''

Three-time Superbike world champion Jonathan Rea, almost unheralded outside his sport and native Northern Ireland until now, finished second, just 3,000 votes behind Farah.

Para-athlete Jonnie Peacock was third, perhaps boosted by his recent appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, with Joshua just 18 votes behind him.

Swimmer Adam Peaty was fifth, ahead of two of the other absentees, Lewis Hamilton and Chris Froome