Britney named sexiest woman

NEW YORK, March 25 (UPI) -- Pop diva Britney Spears has been chosen the world's sexiest woman in a survey by U.S. men's magazine FHM.

Spears jumped to the top spot from last year's No. 3 position, beating out the 2003 winner actress Halle Berry.

"She's had an exciting if controversial 12 months but throughout everything she has always remained sexy," said FHM editor David Davies told Sky News.

"The key to winning this competition is sex appeal and as our readers have overwhelmingly demonstrated, Britney's got it.

"Her antics with Madonna in her video for 'Me Against the Music' helped her secure the top slot," Davies said.

British singer Rachel Stevens came in second on the list with R&B pop star Beyonce Knowles third. Actress Carmen Electra and singer Holly Valence placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

Berry fell to No. 6, with Jennifer Lopez, Glamour model Jordan, actress Angelina Jolie and actress Elisha Cuthbert rounding out the Top 10.