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.

Fox knocked last year's winner Jessica Alba, who came second, off the top spot, despite another successful year for the Californian beauty.

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.

Geordie singer Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud finished in seventh place.

TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp is a surprise entry, while supermodel Kate Moss who has dropped out of the Top 100 all together.

The raven-haired Location Location Location presenter 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 Willoughby.

Moss was number 68 in 2007 and Jennifer Lopez, who also did not make the list, won in 2001 and 2002.

Myleene Klass is notably absent too, having been 67th last year.

FHM's editor-in-chief Anthony Noguera said: "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.

"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 No1 slot."

Here is the Top 10 from FHM's list of 100 Sexiest Women, 2008:
1 Megan Fox
2 Jessica Alba
3 Keeley Hazell
4 Elisha Cuthbert
5 Hayden Panettiere
6 Scarlett Johansson
7 Cheryl Cole
8 Hilary Duff
9 Angelina Jolie
10 Keira Knightley

• FHM's 100 Sexiest Supplement comes free with the magazine's June edition.