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Emma Watson and Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch have topped a poll of the world's sexiest film stars.

Cumberbatch, 37, beat Twilight star Robert Pattinson and Bradley Cooper in the actor category of .

Former Harry Potter star Watson, 23, placed higher than Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis and Angelina Jolie in the actress list.

The poll was voted for by more than 50,000 movie fans.

Cumberbatch was followed by fellow British actors Tom Hiddleston and Man Of Steel's Henry Cavill in the top three.

Drive star Ryan Gosling was fourth, with Robert Downey Jr in fifth place.

The top 10 was completed by Chris Hemsworth, Robert Pattinson, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman with Hangover star Bradley Cooper coming 10th.

Cumberbatch, who plays Julian Assange in new film The Fifth Estate, has previously spoken about becoming a pin-up, saying: "It puts a bit of a spring in your step. It's nice, you swagger a little bit, it's enjoyable.

"I've punched well above my weight this year. I find it hysterically funny. It's a giggle.

"I wield it with a massive smile."

Bling Ring star Emma Watson was joined by Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, Twilight's Kristen Stewart and The Dark Knight Rises star Anne Hathaway in the top five.

Watson is the only British woman in the top 10 actress list. Keira Knightley was number 17, while Kate Beckinsale, Gemma Arterton and Emily Blunt came 19th, 20th and 21th respectively.

British stars Daniel Craig, James McAvoy and Tom Hardy were also in the top 25 with Johnny Depp coming 13th and Brad Pitt 19th. Tom Cruise came 47th.

The editor of Empire Magazine, James Dyer, described the poll as "a great result for British stars".

He added: "This list also reflects the continuing popularity of superhero movies: six of the top 10 men have played superheroes and five of the top 10 women have appeared in comic-book movies."

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