CHRISTMAS is approaching, which can only mean one thing — BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Whether you love it or hate it, the annual review of the sporting calendar is almost upon us.

This year, however, there might actually be some genuine interest as the winner is not a foregone conclusion.

Twelve months ago, then Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was a shoe-in for the award, which he duly accepted while at a warm-weather training camp in Miami. Nobody else was in the running for the title.

But that’s not the case this time around.

Of the 10-person shortlist, you could make a case for most emerging victorious.

Lewis Hamilton is the obvious candidate after storming to his second Formula One world title at the weekend following a lights to flag triumph in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In doing so, he joined an elite group of drivers to have won the crown more than once.

Rory McIlroy is in the frame after winning two of golf’s majors this year — the Open and US PGA — as is boxer Carl Froch, who retained his IBF and WBA super middleweight titles against George Groves.

But I wouldn’t be ruling out Jo Pavey, the mum-of-two who won 10,000-metre gold at the European Championship at the age of 40 just 10 days after claiming bronze in the 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games.

Reigning Sky Sports/Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year Charlotte Dujardin, who is based in Newent, might also have a shot after winning two golds at the World Equestrian Games.

It could be a close run thing for the top honour this year.