Ben Stokes wins SPOTY 2019: England star claims top prize after Cricket World Cup win and Ashes heroics

BEN STOKES shared an emotional kiss with wife Clare after being announced Sports Personality of The Year 2019.

The all-rounder was rewarded for his heroics as England won the Cricket World Cup as well as his one-man stand in the Ashes.

His win completes an amazing career turnaround, just two years after he was suspended by England and charged with affray following a brawl in Bristol.

Stokes averaged just over 66 runs at the World Cup that also included five half-centuries and a Man of the match performance in the final.

He hit 84 not out including that amazing super over victory against New Zealand.

He also averaged 55 runs during the Ashes including a stunning unbeaten 135 in the third Ashes test at Headingley.

Stokes said: “Two years ago was a tough time to me, to my friend Neil Fairbrother, you are an incredible human being.

“I don't know how you have put up with Andrew Flintoff and then me.

“My parents live on the other side of the world so they don't get to share in moments like this, and they ferried me everywhere.

“This award is for them as well. To my amazing wife Claire… yeah. You are my rock. I love you.

“Family is more important to me than what I do for a living, my family are there for me no matter what. My awesome kids. I love you so much.”

“Congratulations to all the nominees, what you have achieved for yourself and your sports is sensational.

“There are so many people you have to thank. The best thing about team sport is sharing with your teammates, your management, they make days like we had in the summer special.

“Without their efforts I would not be here doing this.”

F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who was unable to make the ceremony, celebrated with his family shown on a video chat.

The Mercedes driver won his sixth world title this year.

And Athletics world champion Dina Asher-Smith - whose trainer won coach of the year - came third.

Stokes became the first cricketer to win the award since Freddie Flintoff in 2005, after his heroics over the summer.

He was the bookies favourite for the award, but presenter Lineker seemed to prematurely let slip the result earlier in the night.

As Eoin Morgan and Jason Roy walked on stage with Stokes, The Match of The Day presenter called Stokes the "main award winner".

Fans online were quick to spot the apparent spoiler.

One said: "Bit of a shocker from Lineker getting Eoin Morgan’s name wrong and announcing Stokes as #SPOTY winner!"

Another said: "Gary Lineker just referred to Ben Stokes as the ‘main award winner’ then had to change it to ‘contender’ and now he’s all flustered. Whoops!"

One added: "Gary Lineker introduced Ben stokes as the winner." 

And Lineker was correct as Stokes was officially named winner at the end of the ceremony.

He later said he didn't know the result - and just "f***** up" on the broadcast.

The Tottenham and England legend wrote: "I wish I was that smart. I just f**ked up.

"The voting hadn’t even opened at that stage. Apologies."