Michelle Keegan runner-up to Jennifer Lawrence in FHM 100 Sexiest poll

Jennifer Lawrence has been named the sexiest woman in the world, topping the annual countdown of the top 100 by FHM magazine.

The Hunger Games actress has succeeded last year's winner Mila Kunis, who has now slipped to sixth place.

Former Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan is the highest ranking British name, and is runner-up overall.

New presenter of ITV's Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid, shot up 66 places over the past 12 months to finish in 30th position.

And the broadcaster and food writer Nigella Lawson made her debut on the list at number 21. At 54, she is the oldest person on the list.

Jennifer, 23, who dates British actor Nicholas Hoult, has become a huge star on the back of her role as Katniss in the Hunger Games series, and landed a best actress Oscar last year for Silver Linings Playbook.

Dan Jude, the editor of the FHM 100 Sexiest supplement which is published with the magazine on Thursday (May 1), said: "She's run away with the title this year and it's no great surprise. Not only is she the most in-demand actress on the planet, but men the world over have fallen in love with her kooky charm."

Michelle Keegan said of her success: "I'm so flattered. I believe that being sexy isn't wearing lots of heavy make-up or having the perfect hair or figure - it's about self-confidence, being comfortable with yourself, smiling and being happy."

Model Emily Ratajkowski, who appeared naked in Robin Thicke's video for his single Blurred Lines, is the highest new entry at number four.

Kate Moss, who turned 40 earlier this year, has returned to the list once again at number 42, and Countdown brainbox Rachel Riley is the highest riser, shooting up 73 places to number 17.

The biggest drop is for former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, who has plummeted from last year's number 11 to this year's 82.

 

Press Association

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.