Tuning up for Sports Personality
The countdown is well and truly underway now to this year's programme. We're all very excited about the biggest show we have ever put on.
The for the voting has closed now so thanks to all of you who took part.
We're announcing the top 10 shortlist on Monday 4 December - six days before the programme.
You can have your say on Sports Personality by creating an article or joining the comment and debate on our 606 section.
There were actually a few votes for Manchester City manager - but I doubt 'Beanie' will make the final shortlist!
One thing is for sure - it promises to be the most open and exciting contest for years.
Behind the scenes the team are busy putting together the most ambitious show we have staged - it takes a lot of organising to get so many sports stars under one roof on the same night.
Many of the distinguished former winners of Sports Personality of the Year have already confirmed - they'll play a special part in the programme - and we're expecting some of the biggest names in world sport to be with us on the night.
We also have one or two big surprises planned and I'm delighted that the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Concert Orchestra will feature throughout the event, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham for the first time.
It will be very interesting to see who you will vote to be the 53rd ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sports Personality of the Year.
