BBC blasted by boxing star for SPOTY plan after being forced to sit next to rival for two hours in silence

BBC blasted by boxing star for SPOTY plan after being forced to sit next to rival for two hours in silence

WATCH NOW: Mary Earps wins the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 20/12/2023

- 13:07

The two women were uncomfortable during the ceremony in Salford

The BBC has been slammed by Terri Harper after she was forced to sit next to her rival for two hours in silence at the Sports Personality of the Year awards on Tuesday night.

Both Harper and Natasha Jonas sat next two each other at the ceremony in Salford, Manchester.


The pair have an ongoing feud but that didn't stop the BBC from seating them next to each other.

The duo were, per The Sun, unable to put their feud to one side and also 'didn't make eye contact with each other'.

BBC Terri Harper

BBC have been slammed by Terri Harper for their seating plan at the SPOTY awards

GETTY

And Harper has now slammed the BBC's decision to sit them next to each other, saying on X: "Whoever did it has got some good banter… had a brilliant two hours sat in silence."

She also posted a video of herself giving the camera a deep stare before cheekily turning it towards her rival.

Yet Jonas hasn't seen the funny side and responded by saying: "You have a lot less to say to my face it seems."

The 39-year-old added: "We're sitting in the audience to a live show, the respectful thing to do would be enjoy the show and not take snide vids, would you not think?"

The feud has continued on Wednesday, too.

Harper replied to Jonas' criticism of her by saying: "Your one word answers to my small talk before the show made me realise you weren’t up for chatting anytime soon."

And Jonas once again responded, saying: "I'm just not into being two faced if I'm honest.

"Maybe it's the generational gap."

The rift between the pair started in 2020 when they stepped into the ring to fight for the WBC title.

Harper retained her belt after a narrow split decision draw.

A rematch is currently on the cards, however, with Harper calling for a rematch earlier in the year.

"Let's put on the fight that everyone wants to see.

"That's why I've come up to light-middleweight.

"I think it's every boxer's dream to become undisputed."

Meanwhile, while it was a testing evening for Harper and Jonas, it was a joyous occasion for Mary Earps.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Natasha Jones

BBC have caused a new row between Natasha Jones (pictured) and Terri Harper to break out

GETTY

The England and Manchester United goalkeeper won the SPOTY award after beating Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

And Earps said in the aftermath of her triumph: "I feel a bit sick actually.

"I would like to say how humbled I am to be among incredible athletes.

"Sport is a fantastic thing that brings the world together and to hear your stories is unbelievable.

"Thanks to everyone for voting for me, I'm very honoured and humbled.

Mary Earps

BBC have crowned Mary Earps their SPOTY award winner

GETTY

"This is the ultimate all-round sporting accolade, us Lionesses and Manchester United have had an amazing couple of years. But this is wow.

"It's not been the easiest journey and I would not be here without an incredible set of people in my corner, so thank you to them.

"I am so glad I can bring some of my loved ones here today, who have been with me through the really, really not so great times.

"The last two years have been unbelievable, I have done more than I can imagine, and I am truly incredibly grateful."

You may like