Hamilton won the award back in 2014 and is a four-time runner-up, including the last two years.
It was widely anticipated he would be among the six contenders for the main award and that was confirmed by 'The Body Coach' Joe Wicks on BBC Breakfast.
England cricketer Stuart Broad was the second name revealed after starring in Test series’ victories over West Indies and Pakistan this summer taking a 500th Test wicket in the process, becoming only the second Englishman in history to do so alongside long time teammate James Anderson.
Liverpool’s Premier League-winning captain Jordan Henderson was the third nominee confirmed after helping guide the Reds to a first league title for 30 years last season with Hollie Doyle joining him after a stellar year where she became the first female jockey to win a ‘Champions Day’ race at Royal Ascot.
Snooker’s Ronnie O’Sullivan also makes the shortlist for the very first time having become a six-time world champion at the Crucible back in August.
The other hopefuls will be revealed throughout Tuesday by the BBC ahead of the ceremony which will take place at Media City in Salford on 20 December.
