LONDON - Actress Keira Knightley was voted the world's sexiest woman in a magazine poll on Thursday, beating model Keeley Hazel and Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson into second and third place respectively.

The poll, which FHM magazine said was based on two million votes, saw homegrown model and TV presenter Kelly Brook slip to 5th from first last year, while Angelina Jolie, expecting a baby in mid-May, came fourth.

Beyonce Knowles was the sexiest pop star at number seven and Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova the top sportswoman at number 56.

FHM said the poll was the only one of its kind voted for entirely by the British public. 

In the US, Angelina Jolie has topped People magazine's list of '100 Most Beautiful People'. People also named Jolie, her two children and boyfriend Brad Pitt the 'World's Most Beautiful Family.'

FHM's top 20:

1. Keira Knightley
2. Keeley Hazel
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Angelina Jolie
5. Kelly Brook
6. Cheryl Tweedy
7. Beyonce Knowles
8.

Evangeline Lilly
9. Jessica Alba
10. Jessica Simpson
11. Billie Piper
12. Sienna Miller
13. Lindsay Lohan
14. Rachel Stevens
15. Sarah Harding
16. Jennifer Love Hewitt
17. Halle Berry
18. Jennifer Aniston
19. Fearne Cotton
20. Eva Longoria

- REUTERS