Cheryl Cole is world's sexiest woman

Cheryl Cole has been named the world's sexiest woman.

The Girls Aloud star - who topped the poll conducted by FHM magazine - knocked 2008 winner Megan Fox off the top spot and into second place in this year's vote.

The British singer - who last year came seventh in the annual poll - beat a host of beauties, including actress Jessica Alba, who came third, and pop singer Britney Spears to take the title.

'Womanizer' singer Britney - who is currently performing on her comeback tour - took fourth place after she only reached number 31 in 2008.

Fans of the blonde beauty started an online campaign to ensure her she would not chart outside the top 10 again.

Other stars to be included in the top 10 are British glamour model Keeley Hazell - who dropped two places from third last year, supermodel Adriana Lima and two new entries, actress Anna Friel and 'Slumdog Millionaire' star Freida Pinto who came ninth and tenth respectively.

FHM editor Chris Bell said: "It's been a revolutionary year in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women In The World poll - as old favourites such as Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz are rejected in favour of a new wave of female talent."

This is the first time in three years a British star has come first in the poll, which was undertaken by almost 10 million readers of the men's magazine worldwide.

FHM magazine's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list 2009, top 10:

1. Cheryl Cole
2. Megan Fox
3. Jessica Alba
4. Britney Spears
5. Keeley Hazell
6. Adriana Lima
7. Elisha Cuthbert
8. Kristin Kreuk
9. Anna Friel
10. Freida Pinto