His sporting talent and ever-changing hairstyles and clothes helped him top the poll, voted for by thousands of viewers of music channel VH1.

Madonna was runner-up, with music legend Elvis making up the top three.

Films, books and TV also featured heavily in the survey - with The Simpsons coming 6th, James Bond 21st, Star Wars 24th and Harry Potter 45th.

Becks' wife Victoria also made the cut, with her former band the Spice Girls ranked at number 32.

Another Spice Girl Emma Bunton led the tributes to Becks.

"I love his style. He's just so cool," she said.

A panel of celebrities - including T4 presenter June Sarpong - drew up a shortlist of icons earlier this year.

Viewers have spent two months voting for their faves.