Halle is world's sexiest

Halle Berry has been named the world's sexiest woman by FHM magazine - the oldest winner at 34.

The actress is also the first black recipient of the honour after beating Holly Valance to top spot in the poll.

Last year's number one, Anna Kournikova, has to content herself with just eighth spot in 2003.

Britney Spears retains third place for the second year running and Carmen Electra is fifth. Jennifer Lopez - a two-time winner -drops two places to number six.

More than five million votes were cast for this year's FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2003 competition.

Berry said: "I thank you very much for choosing me - wow. That's a pretty heady title. I'm not so sure I live up to it, but thank you anyway for choosing me."

The star, currently appearing in X-Men 2, chose an unlikely part as her sexiest feature: "I think my feet are my sexiest body part. People I find really sexy include Angelina Jolie, George Clooney and my mum."

Berry shot up from 33rd place in 2002 thanks to her sexy high-profile roles, including Die Another Day. The oldest previous winner was Teri Hatcher in 1997, who was 32 at the time. - Ananova.com

(Ananova 23rd May 2003)