Penelope Cruz named sexiest woman alive

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz has been named the Sexiest Woman Alive in a new poll by Esquire magazine.

The Vicky Cristina Barcelona star landed the publication's annual title for 2014, making her the eleventh celebrity to be given the accolade following previous winners including Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson.

Cruz poses on the cover of next month's edition (Nov14) of the magazine in a low-cut, black swimming costume, and in the accompanying interview, Cruz explains why she is guarded about her private life with husband Javier Bardem, saying, "That is for us."