The British actor beat off several well established heartthrobs, including Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp, to claim the title in a poll conducted by Britain’s Glamour magazine.

The 23-year-old year-old star - who shot to fame playing vampire Edward Cullen in teen romantic thriller Twilight – isn’t fazed by his new sexy symbol status.

He said: “The hottest actor stuff doesn’t really mean anything. You have a month maybe with all this heat and hype.” Depp, 46, and 45-year-old Pitt came second and fifth respectively.

Other hunks to make the top ten include Hugh Jackman – who was named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive last year – soccer superstar David Beckham, Zac Efron and George Clooney.