American actress Megan Fox has been named the “sexiest woman in the world” in a poll in which nearly 10 million people participated globally.

‘Transformers’ star Fox, 22, flew straight in as a new entry at the top of the list after the biggest - and most surprising FHM poll in history, the magazine said.

“Megan Fox is a very deserving winner of this year’s FHM title. From out of nowhere, she’s captured the hearts - and fantasies - of British men to capture the No.1 slot,” said FHM’s editor-in-chief Anthony Noguera.

Fox knocked last year’s winner Jessica Alba, off the top spot despite another successful year for the Californian beauty. She finished second.

The sexiest UK woman for the second year running was Keeley Hazell, who was put in third place.

Movie star Elisha Cuthbert finished fourth on the list, with Heroes cheerleader Hayden Panettiere fifth, completing the top five in the poll.

Britain’s TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp was named one of the sexiest women, beating Kate Moss who has dropped out of the top 100 altogether.

Kirstie, the raven-haired presenter of a famous programme ‘Location Location Location Relocation Relocation’, made her debut at number 91. Opera soprano Katherine Jenkins was another debut at 83.

The pair beat not only Moss, but former favourites Kylie Minogue and Holly Willoughly.

“FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World delivers the original and most famous list of the planet’s most beautiful women. And this year, after 9.7 million votes from around the world, it’s never been more authoritative,” Noguera said.