Ronnie O'Sullivan and Beth Mead are among the stars who are up for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is among the stars who are up for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year
The snooker legend and the England women's football star are to battle it out with gymnast Jessica Gadirova, Olympic curler Eve Muirhead, England cricketer Ben Stokes, and middle-distance runner Jake Wightman for the coveted prize.
The six sport stars will compete for the public vote on the night of the live show on Wednesday 21 December, which will be co-hosted by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and Gabby Logan.
The industry panel for this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year included former Olympian Denise Lewis and Paralympian Kelly Gallagher, as well as ex-snooker player Stephen Hendry.
Lionel Messi - who inspired Argentina to glory in the football World Cup this winter - will receive the World Sport Star of the Year prize and Usain Bolt will take home the Lifetime Achievement award.
Mead helped England's Lionesses win this year's European Championships on home soil.
She was named UEFA’s Player of the Tournament and also won the Golden Boot with six goals and five assists.
Mead is now clear favourite to win the Sports Personality of the Year award.
Coral have priced the star up at 1/25, but she is as short as 1/100 with Unibet for the prize.
Her nearest rival in the betting is Ben Stokes, who is best priced 25/1, followed by 80/1 shot Ronnie.
Jessica, Jake and Eve are all triple-figure odds to cause a shock and win the accolade.