Liverpool Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson missed out to England cricketing hero Ben Stokes who was crowned Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) 2019 tonight.
The 26-year-old heptathlete was nominated for the prestigious award after an incredible run of success, winning gold at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar earlier this year.
But after the result of the public vote was announced, fans took to social media to express their admiration for Woolton-born KJT. She was also pipped to second and third places by F1 champ Lewis Hamilton and sprinter Dina Asher-Smith respectively.
Before the vote had even taken place, Liverpool-born actor Jodie Comer posted a message on her Instagram account urging people to vote for KJT.
Among the messages on social media, Kyla Charles tweeted to say: "I feel that (KJT) was deserving of at least top three maybe even a win, her heptathlon was absolutely insane especially the final 800m."
Neil Dodsworth said: "All 6 excellent contenders tonight, but for me, for where she's come from in the last few years to what she's achieved this year it has to be KJT."
Lauren Andrews joked: "Hello, police? I'd like to report a crime. Katarina Johnson Thompson was just robbed on live TV."
Ian Willis said: "So disappointed. I've watched you grow over the years to become the best there is. Always get my vote."
Tom Davies said: "I'm sorry, but after many years of struggle (KJT) was much more deserving of this."
Yorkshiregirl said she was "gutted" following the results, adding: "You're a star in our eyes."
Pete Martin said: "(KJT) should have been top 3 instead of Hamilton. She was fantastic in a multi discipline event plus she looked absolutely stunning tonight as well."
Ben Stokes will nevertheless prove a popular winner of the SPOTY award. The all-rounder was man of the match as England won the World Cup for the first time with a dramatic super over victory against New Zealand at Lord's.
Stokes, 28, also hit an unbeaten 135 in the one-wicket third Ashes Test triumph against Australia at Headingley.
Despite his heroics, reviled tabloid The S*n later published a front-page story which dredged up a tragedy involving the England cricketer’s family. Ben Stokes has now launched legal action against the paper for invasion of privacy.
