Surprise as Tom Hiddleston beats Robert Pattinson in 'sexiest actor alive' poll

British star Tom Hiddleston has toppled Twilight's Robert Pattinson from his position as "sexiest actor alive", according to a new poll.

Hiddleston - whose roles have included War Horse and will soon return as villain Loki in Thor 2 - topped the list in a poll for Total Film magazine.

Jennifer Lawrence, who starred in The Hunger Games and landed a Golden Globe for Silver Linings Playbook this week, was judged to be the sexiest women in the list.

Click here or on "View Images" for the 'sexiest actors alive' in pictures

Hiddleston, 31, was taken aback by his triumph. He said: "My sister used to say I had hair like a broom. She was probably right.

"One of the great flaws we all share is that we think everyone else is cool, everyone else is sexier, everyone else has all the answers. That was me too."

More than 25,000 people cast their votes for the magazine's annual poll, which saw last year's winner Pattinson at number two. His Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart was third in the actress list, behind Scarlett Johansson.

Striking a blow for the more mature actor is Alan Rickman - noted for his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films - who was ranked in seventh place at the age of 66. He beat stars such as Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

James Bond star Daniel Craig finished at number 15 in the list published today in the magazine.

Total Film editor Jane Crowther said: "The thousands of readers who voted clearly show that the concept of sexy doesn't fit a stereotype - though it's very good news for British men judging by the number of British gents making the top ten."

Top ten sexiest actors:

1. Tom Hiddleston

2. Robert Pattinson

3. Ryan Gosling

4. Benedict Cumberbatch

5. Richard Armitage

6. Tom Hardy

7. Alan Rickman

8. Michael Fassbender

9. Robert Downey Jr

10. Chris Hemsworth

Top ten sexiest actresses:

1. Jennifer Lawrence

2. Scarlett Johansson

3. Kristen Stewart

4. Emma Stone

5. Mila Kunis

6. Emma Watson

7. Anne Hathaway

8. Zooey Deschanel

9. Natalie Portman

10. Charlize Theron

PA