Evans thanks BBC for "second chance"

Chris Evans used his Music Personality of the Year acceptance speech to thank the BBC for giving him a "second chance".

The Radio 2 DJ – recognised at the Sony Radio Academy Awards – was sacked from Virgin Radio in 2001 for disappearing on a drinking binge.

After his success – over Heart's Jamie Theakston, Xfm's Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music's Marc Riley and Virgin's Tim Lovejoy – Evans commented: "It's great to be back. Thank you for giving me a second chance, cheers." He continued: "Well done to all the winners tonight and all the nominees, especially Danny Baker, my friend."

Evans was beaten to the Entertainment Award, however, which was taken by Chris Moyles of Radio 1's breakfast show. Also nominated were BBC London's Danny Baker, Jonathan Ross for Radio 2 and the Ugly Phil Breakfast Show from Kerrang! radio.

"It has been a long time coming. I thought it would be Jonathan or Danny," commented Moyles. "I never have to come to one of these godforsaken Sony nights ever again. Thank you very much."

Veteran Terry Wogan took the Gold Award for outstanding achievement. He joked: "I am standing here as a shining signal that if you hang around long enough they are bound to give you something."

As well as Moyle's award, Radio 1 took UK Station of the Year and Zane Lowe won Specialist Music Programme and Music Broadcaster of the Year. Radio 4 won seven awards including Eddie Mair's Speech Broadcaster of the Year and News Journalist of the Year for Angus Stickler.