Ananova:

David Beckham is to take on Gazza and Princess Anne to find Britain's greatest sporting personality.

The BBC is giving TV viewers the chance to vote for the ultimate figure to celebrate 50 years of its annual Sports Personality Of The Year award.

In a series of 30-minute BBC1 shows to be screened early next month, Gary Lineker will profile each of the winners since 1954.

Viewers will then choose five to go forward to be named Golden Sports Personality during a live vote during the show on Sunday December 14.

David Beckham makes it into the vote after winning the 2001 title.

Paul Gascoigne was the 1990 winner while Anne won in 1973. Other winners over the years have included motor racing champion Nigel Mansell, ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and last year's champ Paula Radcliffe.

The final vote will be taking place as part of the regular annual Sports Personality show.

Nominations for this year's Sports Personality of the Year open at noon on Saturday. Viewers can vote by phoning 09011 110830, by texting to 81111, or via the BBC website until December 8.