Meet the world's most desirable women (+photos)

NUMBER ONE: Katherine Heigl nabbed the top spot on Askmen.com's list of the world's most desirable women.

BAD LUCK: Alessandra Ambrosio was pipped at the post, coming in at No. 2.

THRID TIME LUCKY: Kate Beckinsale is Askmen.com's No. 3 most desirable woman.

SMOULDERING: Eva Mendes came in at number four.

SURPRISE POSITION: Jessica Alba only came in at number five in Askmen.com's poll.

Superlatives keep piling up for actress Katherine Heigl, after she was named the "most desirable woman of 2008" by lifestyle website, AskMen.com.

The site, which boasts seven million readers a month, said it polls users annually for a list of 99 women who best embody the qualities of an ideal girlfriend or wife, as judged by intelligence, humour,
charisma and ambition among attributes.

"This year's list really goes to show who (our users) relate with and find beautiful, charming and personable," said AskMen.com's editor-in-chief, James Bassil.

Heigl, 29, starred in last year's hit comedy movie Knocked Up and currently is in theatres with 27 Dresses, playing a

woman who is always a bridesmaid but never a bride until she finally finds love.

She won a supporting actress Emmy, US television's highest honour, for her role as Dr Izzie Stevens on hospital drama Grey's Anatomy, and has been nominated for two Golden Globe awards for the same show.

Following Heigl on the AskMen.com list was model Alessandra Ambrosio in the No. 2 position and just behind her was actress Kate Beckinsale, who has starred in films from action adventurePearl Harbor to comedy Click.

Askmen.com's top 10 most desirable women:

1. Katherine Heigl
2. Alessandra Ambrosio
3. Kate Beckinsale
4. Eva Mendes
5. Jessica Alba
6. Scarlett Johansson
7. Jessica Biel
8. Rihanna
9. Marisa Miller
10. Adriana Lima