Cole is 'world's sexiest woman'

Girls Aloud and X Factor star Cheryl Cole has been named the world's sexiest woman by readers of FHM magazine.

Cole, who told a magazine published this week she hates being thin and is nicknamed "flatty batty", knocked last year's winner Megan Fox into second.

The singer, 25, is the first Briton to top the annual chart in three years.

Following an online campaign by fans, Britney Spears moved from number 31 to fourth place. British actress Anna Friel secured a place at number nine.

Cole, who was named as the world's best dressed woman by Glamour magazine earlier this month, came seventh in last year's poll.







2007 winner Jessica Alba dropped one place to number three while Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto was a new entry at number 10.

Antique Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce also made it into the top 100, charting at number 98.

Nearly 10 million votes were cast globally in the poll, now in its 15th year.