Actress Audrey Hepburn has been voted the most beautiful woman of the 20th century.



Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany's


The star beat fellow beauties such as Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly to top a poll for shopping channel QVC.

Hepburn was perhaps most famed for her classic glam pose in a black Givenchy dress, pearls and gloves in the 1961 film Breakfast At Tiffany's.

The actress - who died in 1993 and was also a Unicef ambassador - narrowly held off the nation's 21st century crush, Cole, who took the runner-up spot.

Third place went to Some Like It Hot siren Monroe, famed for her pout and classic curves.



Marilyn Monroe came in at number three


Kelly, later Princess Grace of Monaco, made an appearance in fifth position, while Diana, Princess of Wales, was ranked eighth.

Surprisingly, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor were not in the top 10.

The survey was carried out to celebrate the start of QVC's Beauty Month throughout July with more than 2,000 women being asked to choose the top beauties of the past 100 years.

Just missing the top 10 were Kylie Minogue, Beyonce Knowles and Audrey Tatou.

The top 10 most beautiful women were voted as:

1. Audrey Hepburn
2. Cheryl Cole
3. Marilyn Monroe
4. Angelina Jolie
5. Grace Kelly
6. Scarlett Johansson
7. Halle Berry
8. Diana, Princess of Wales
9. Kelly Brook
10. Jennifer Aniston

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