The Co Down man, who recently made his acting debut in the movie Marie Antoinette, comes in at number 88 in the poll, just ahead of Chelsea footballer John Terry and rapper Jay-Z.

More importantly for the Holywood hottie, he also beats love rival Rupert Friend, who is currently dating Dornan's A-list ex-girlfriend, Keira Knightley. Friend is only 92nd on the list.

Londonderry popstar Nadine Coyle will be delighted her hunky actor boyfriend Jesse Metcalfe is considered one of the world's sexiest men.

The Desperate Housewives star appears at number 12.

And Katie Melua's ex-boyfriend Luke Pritchard, frontman of The Kooks, also makes it into the top 20, claiming 16th place ahead of Razorlight's Johnny Borrell and David Beckham.

Other Irish men who feature on the list, compiled by New Woman magazine, include bad boy actor Colin Farrell, Jonas Armstrong, who played Robin Hood in the recent BBC drama, pop band Westlife and even Sir Bob Geldof.

Aspiring Prime Minister Gordon Brown is a newcomer in the list who at 55 is the oldest sexiest man. He takes 97th place in the survey of more than 10,000 women.

The members of Take That relight female fires in joint top place, followed by Bond hunk Daniel Craig.

Last year Brad Pitt scooped the top spot, but the Hollywood star and father-of-three has now dropped to seventh place.

Kate Moss's boyfriend Doherty dropped from 18 in 2006 to 100 this year.

NW editor Helen Johnston said: "With regard to Gordon Brown sneaking in for the first time at 97th, power is undoubtedly an aphrodisiac, but we've seen a softer side to the Iron Chancellor recently and women definitely respond to a more human approach.

"But 97 is still a long way from No 10."