BBC SPOTY 2015: Andy Murray wins ‘unexpected’ 2015 trophy after Davis Cup triumph

Murray had also won the award in 2013

Andy Murray after winning SPOTY for a second time (PA)

Andy Murray was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the second time in Belfast tonight.

The Scot, who ended Great Britain’s 79-year wait for a Davis Cup title, beat rugby league’s Kevin Sinfield into second place, with Jessica Ennis-Hill third.

Murray said: “I didn’t expect this. A friend actually sent me a message the other day with an article from a newspaper which said Andy Murray is duller than a weekend in Worthing, which I thought was a bit harsh – on Worthing.

“It’s very humbling to be up here in front of so many great athletes. I’m just a great sports fan and I’m really nervous. This has been a five-year journey – we were right down at the bottom level of tennis and now we’re ranked No 1 in the world. I never thought that would be possible.”

It was a night of double celebration for Murray as the Davis Cup-winning side was named Team of the Year.

Earlier, Tyson Fury issued an apology over his controversial comments regarding homosexuality and the role of women when he appeared on the awards. The world heavyweight champion was given a good reception by the audience following his brief interview with Gary Lineker, in which he insisted he had not meant any malice. “I’ve said a lot of stuff in the past and none of it with intentions to hurt anybody,” he said. “It’s all very tongue in cheek, it’s all fun and games to me. If I’ve said anything in the past that’s hurt anybody, I apologise.”

Fury had been met by a small but vocal group of protesters upon his arrival at the city’s SSE Arena and was booed by a section of the 7,500 audience when his name was first announced.

In the night’s other awards, Northern Ireland football manager Michael O’Neill won Coach of the Year after leading his nation to the Euro 2016 finals.

Former All Blacks fly-half Daniel Carter paid an emotional tribute to Jonah Lomu after picking up the Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award. The 33-year-old ended his international career by leading New Zealand to World Cup triumph in England but the victory was overshadowed by the death of Lomu, who had won the same award in 1995, in November. Carter said: “He is an absolute legend of the sport and it was a shock to the people who knew him and the sporting community.”

Jockey AP McCoy received the Lifetime Achievement Award after bringing his illustrious career to a close in April. McCoy, who won the main prize in 2010, retired after riding 4,357 winners and being crowned Champion Jockey 20 consecutive times. After receiving the award from fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, he said: “Could I just say what an honour and a privilege it is to receive such a prestigious award, especially here in Belfast.”