Rachel Stevens wins Rear of the Year award

Chart star Rachel Stevens was named top of the bottoms today as she claimed the accolade Rear Of The Year.

The former S Club 7 singer and Strictly Come Dancing runner-up shares the cheeky title with tenor Russell Watson, who landed the men's prize.

The pair follow figures such as Denise Van Outen, Melinda Messenger and Robbie Williams in being chosen for the award.

They received a huge vote for the 2009 Rear of the Year at the official website for the award which is now in its 27th year.

Stevens, 31, has previously been voted the world's second sexiest woman in an annual poll for FHM magazine. She said today: "I'm very flattered and I'm now going to insure each cheek for a considerable sum of money."

Watson, who bounced back after surgery for a brain tumour in 2007, said: "For the past 10 years it's always been about The Voice but, for the first time, I'm delighted to say it's about my rear.

"Winning the Rear of the Year Award is better than getting an OBE."

Award organiser Tony Edwards said: "They've both been high on the list of contenders for the past few years but this year broke through with amazing support.

"This is the era of the well-toned rear when people are taking care of their bodies with work-outs, jogging, and aerobics. Rachel and Russell typify the look."