Triple WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea has taken second place in this evening’s BBC Sports Personalty of the Year, beating the likes of F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, two-time Tour De France winner Chris Froome and World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua but eventually losing out to Olympic multiple gold medallist Sir Mo Farah.

To the delight of the crowd, the works Kawasaki man rode into the Liverpool venue on a ZX-10RR and was the perfect ambassador for motorcycle racing in front of millions of TV viewers. His name was read out by footballing legend Kenny Dalglish.

During the show, six-time British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne was mentioned for his achievements while in the memorial film which celebrated the lives of sportsmen and women no longer with us. John Surtees, Nicky Hayden, Dan Hegarty, Jamie Hodson, Gavin Lupton and Mark Fincham were all on screen.

How they voted:

Mo Farah 83,524
Jonathan Rea 80,567
Jonnie Peacock 73,429
Anthony Joshua 73,411,
Adam Peaty 63,739
Lewis Hamilton 60,627
Chris Froome 47,683
Harry Kane 18,759
Anya Shrubsole 15,237
Bianca Walkden 13,962
Johanna Konta 7,591
Elise Christie 6,504