Cheryl Cole crowned world's sexiest woman for second year

Newly-single star Cheryl Cole was today named the world's sexiest woman - for the second year running.

The singer, estimated to be worth £10 million, beat beauties such as Transformers star Megan Fox and underwear model Marissa Miller.

X Factor judge and Girls Aloud star Cole is the first Brit to top the FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll.

Highest new entry in the list - which is now in its 16th year - is Twilight actress Kristen Stewart who takes sixth place.

Past winners Kelly Brook and glamour model Keeley Hazell make the top 10, with Brook moving up from her 2009 position of 48 to take this year's seventh spot. Hazell spends a second year at number five.

Cole split from footballer husband Ashley earlier this year after stories about his alleged affairs surfaced and saucy photos of him taken on his mobile phone were sent to other women.

Despite her heartache, she has launched a chart-topping solo career and won the hearts of TV viewers on The X Factor.

She held off Fox, who was ranked runner-up for a second year, with Victoria's Secret model Miller in third spot.

Chart star Frankie Sandford of all-girl act The Saturdays took fourth position, up 13 places in a year. Bandmate Una Healey was ranked 19th with Rochelle Wiseman just edging in at 98, although Mollie King and Vanessa White from the five-piece failed to chart.

Model Kate Moss failed to make the top 100 and Britney Spears took a huge dive, falling from last year's four to 44 in 2010, despite winning in 2004.

Harry Potter actress Emma Watson enjoys a second year in the top 50, jumping 18 places to 29.

She may have been thrust into the limelight for all the wrong reasons, but Tiger Woods's betrayed wife Elin Nordgeren has won the support of readers. The former model entered the list for the first time at number 65.

This year more than one million votes were cast by FHM readers worldwide.

Other new entries included Tulisa Contostavlos from N-Dubz at 15 and Lady Gaga at 92.

FHM editor-in-chief Colin Kennedy said: "That other election might be a close-run thing but this equally important poll was so one-sided this year that some bookies have already paid out on Cheryl Cole.

"After hogging the headlines and dominating TV screens for 12 solid months, the nation's sweetheart romped home for a second successive year, leaving all challengers in her curvaceous wake."

But he added: "With very strong showings for Frankie Sandford and hot newcomers like Twilight star Kristen Stewart, perhaps Cheryl should start looking over that perfectly sculpted shoulder. Or at least, showing a bit more leg."

Brunettes accounted for the highest number of places, 64, with 32 blondes and two redheads.