With the World Cup in full force we figured what better time to take a look at the 50 hottest women of the football mad United Kingdom. England might be the only country in the UK to have qualified for the World Cup, but there are plenty of lovely ladies from the UK that qualify for our list. Enjoy, and let us know who you think we snubbed or should have included in the comments!
50. Naomi Campbell
Born in Streatham, London, Supermodel Naomi Campbell was just a young girl window shopping when she was discovered and quickly rose to international fame. While her face has been associated with Paris, London and of course Vogue, she always seems to be known for controversy. In 200, Campbell sparked a heated debate regarding race in the modeling industry. Naomi told Glamour magazine that the “American President is black but” but that she was still the “exception” within the industry.
49. Parminder Nagra
You may recognize her from her contribution to Soccer with her role in Bend it like Beckham, but Parminder Nagra also spent several years on the NBC hit drama, ER. Born in Leicester to working class Indian-immigrant parents, Parminder excelled in school but skipped the traditional route to University and opting instead to peruse her acting career.
48. Little Boots
Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, Little Boots AKA Victoria Hesketh, used her amazing voice and her social networking skills to launch herself into a star. While studying at University, she joined a band as the lead singer of Dead Disco. After some moderate success, she left the band and began to pursue her solo career. In the fall of 200, Little Boots, performed a 5-city sold old tour of her debut solo album, Illuminations. She is rumored to be touring the US again beginning in the Summer of 2010, supporting her 2nd album, Hands.
47. Duffy
Born in Nefyn, Wales, Duffy landed onto the US music scene and took home her first Grammy Award for Best Album, in 2009. Duffy became the first Welsh-born singer to land a #1 on the UK charts with Mercy and peaked at #4 in the US. In addition to her own original music, Duffy also impressed Sir Paul McCartney with her cover of ‘Live and Let Die’ earning high praise from Paul.
46. Saffron Burrows
Born a London Socialite, Saffron Burrows has spent her life fighting for Socialist rights. At the young age of 11, she joined a National Civil Rights Movement and has continually expressed her desire for equal rights for individuals with disabilities. When she was just 14, she was discovered by a modeling agent who signed her to a deal immediately. Her modeling career, while modest, allowed other opportunities for her in the industry and she has starred in several US based network television series. You may recognize Saffron from ‘Boston Legal.’
45. Hayley Atwell
Born in London, Hayley is one of the few women on our list with Dual, UK and US citizenship. Born in London, her father is of Native-American decent. Hayley got her big break in the 2007 Woody Allen film, Cassandra’s Dream. Hayley will no doubt soon be a household name, as she will star as Peggy Carter in the 2011 release of Captain America: The First Avenger.
44. Alice Eve
Born to actor parents, Alice Eve has been acting since the moment she was born. Splitting time in the UK as well as Los Angeles, Alice studied at the Beverly Hills Playhouse as well as Oxford. Alice made her US film debut in the 2010 comedy, She’s Out of My League and also had a role in Sex and the City 2.
43. Sonya Walger
You will of course recognize this Hampstead native from her work on the ABC drama, Lost. Sonya Walger, who portrayed Penny Widmore for 5 seasons then moved onto play Dr. Olivia Benford in the ABC Sci-Fi Drama, FlashForward has been finding her way into American households for years now. Hopefully she can find another drama to jump onto, FlashForward was canceled in May.
42. Carey Mulligan
At the age of 18 this Westminster daughter, was cast in the role of Kitty Bennett in the film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Mulligan was also nominated for a Golden Globe for her 2009 performance in ‘An Education’. You can also see Carey in a supporting role in the upcoming Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. Carey has stayed busy as she is involved in 5 film projects that are slated in Pre-Production.
41. Nicola Benedetti
Somewhat of a musical prodigy, Nicola Benedetti, began playing the violin at the tender age of 4. By the age of 10 she began to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, England. She has performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Opera and the London Symphony Orchestra.
40. Rosamund Pike
This Londoner you may recognize as a ‘Bond Girl’ when she was cast as Miranda Frost in Die Another Day. Rosamund has also appeared in several British television series, including Wives and Daughters and Love in a Cold Climate. In addition to her amazing looks and acting skills, she is also an excellent cellist.Pike has been performing in London’s famed West End and will be staring in the UK Tour of Hedda Gabler.
39. KT Tunstall
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland KT was adopted at just a few days old to a family that had no music, the only tape they owned was a comedy recording by a mathematician and musical satirist. KT worked on her funky, blues sound and graduated from Kent Prep School in Kent, Connecticut. In case you still don’t know who KT is, she penned the song Katherine McPhee broke on American Idol, Black Horse and Cherry Tree. Umh-huh.
38. Joss Stone
When this Soul, R&B singer burst onto the scene, Joss Stone made waves with her comparisons to the late Janis Joplin. While Joss’ career has simmered out over the last couple of years, she still has the distinction of appearing on the 2006 Sunday Rich Time List, as the youngest ever.
37. Helena Bonham Carter
This ‘Golders Green’ gal, has made a name for herself starring collaborating with her life-partner Tim Burton, in his huge Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd and the 2010 smash hit, Alice in Wonderland. The pair have two children together, a daughter, Nell and son Billy Ray, who’s Godfather happens to be non-other than Johnny Depp.
36. Kate Middleton
She will eventually become the Queen of England and this summer Kate Middleton is reportedly planning a $40 Million wedding day! Her engagement to Prince William, the son of Price Charles and the Late Princess of Wales, Diana. While Kate may not be recognized now in the good ol’ USA she will be soon!
35. Emily Mortimer
Born in Finsbury Park, London
34. Kate Moss
One of the most successful supermodels in the the last 10 years, Kate Moss, has proved to all of us that she can work and oh yeah, party! She’s Britain’s favorite tabloid girl, tracking her every more, reporting on Drug and Alcohol abuse, and her high-profile romances. Kate has been honored in a British Art Museum, with a 110 pound hollow statue.
33. Leona Lewis
When this Islington resident won The X Factor reality show, she instantly became and international superstar. With her 2nd single, first original song, Bleeding Love, Leona became a household name. After several headlining tours, Leona can be seen back on stage in the US this summer, traveling with Christina Aguilera on her ‘Bionic Tour’.
32. Gemma Arterton
Gemma may not have become a household name until her role in the Bond movie ‘Quantum of Solace’ but this Gravesend native was a BBC star long before that. Gemma, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art starred in several in Tess of the D’Urbervilles and the British comedy, St. Trinian’s. She is a very recent newlywed and can be found on the big screen this summer with Jake Gyllenhaal in Price of Persia.
31. Bonnie Wright
If you aren’t an avid Harry Potter fan, you may not recognize the name Bonnie Wright. But this 19-year old has become a huge star with her role as ‘Ginny Weasley’ in the movie franchise. Wright, a Londoner born and bread has been studying at London’s University of the Arts, all while finishing filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. She is rumored to be engage to fellow ‘Harry’ co-star, Jamie Campbell Bower.
30. Mel B
Of course, Mel B became a household name when she and several of her gal pals formed ‘The Spice Girls’ in the 1990s. With unprecedented fame and a major world tour, the girls eventually split to pursue their own individual careers. While Mel’s music career may not have relaunched, she has reinvented herself and took home the title on the ABC reality show Dancing With the Stars and of course, her controversial DNA battle with Comedian Eddie Murphy.
29. Karen Gillan
Star of the hit British Television series, Doctor Who, Karen Gillan has become a household name in Great Britain. Spending her free time modeling for Allega Hicks and Nicola Roberts, Gillian also graduated from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts drama school in London.
28. Catherine Zeta-Jones
This Wales native became a major sex symbol when she landed her first major film role, starring in The Mask of Zorro and cemented her place with roles in Ocean’s Twelve, Entrapment and Traffic. While many were confused with this beauty married fellow actor, Michael Douglas, who happens to be 25 years older than her, it seems to be a match made in Hollywood heaven. The pair have been married for almost 10 years now and share 2 children. Catherine of course is an Academy Award Winner, for her role in the musical, Chicago.
27.Victoria Beckham
Posh Spice, Mrs. David Beckham, you can call her whatever you want but you’ll have to search high and low to find a corner of the world where she isn’t recognized. From her career with the Spice Girls, her marriage and children with Soccer stud, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham is her own brand. With her designer line quickly rising to the top of the Modeling world, Victoria knows no boundaries. In 2009, the pair’s joint wealth was estimated at $225 Million US dollars.
26. Thandie Newton
Thandie came onto the American television scene in 2003 when she was cast a love interest on the NBC drama, ER. For two years she played “Kemu” who eventually married Dr. Carter, played by Noah Wylie. Thandie, who has appeared in a wide variety of movies, from comedy to serious dramas and has grabbed a Screen Actors Guild award, for her work in the hard-hitting film, Crash.
25. Michelle Ryan
With her dark hair, porcelain skin, and piercing blue eyes, how could Michelle Ryan not make our list? After getting her start on East Enders, she appeared on Bionic Woman, Merlin and even Doctor Who. As long as this beauty keeps getting roles, we’ll keep watching television!
24. Rachel Weisz
Best known for her roles in films such as Agora and The Constant Gardener, this London-born beauty won her way into the hearts of the public. Now a household name, Weisz has always marched to the beat of her own drum. But hey, what can we say, independence looks sexy on Rachel.
23. Sarah Harding
Born in Berkshire in the early 80’s, Sarah Harding said music was part of her life from a very young age. The Girls Aloud singer is a talented actress, as well as songwriter and even model. She may be a Jack of all trades, but she is definitely the Master of all!
22. Abbey Clancy
After trying to gain fame on Britain’s Next Top Model, Abbey Clancy has become a household name in British media. After working for Maxim, GQ, and Nuts, and a few well place scandals, Clancy is making her way to the top. She may be a bit excessive about her need for fame, but at least she’s pretty.
21. Kirsty Gallacher
Working as one of the prettiest women in Newscasting, Kirsty Gallacher comes in on our list at 21. This Scottish born beauty is known for her jobs as a sports anchor, but her focus in College was actually Fashion Journalism! Gallacher has appeared in several different magazines, including FHM and Maxim.
20. Billie Piper
Best known for her role as Rose Tyler, the companion on Doctor Who, Billie Piper is one of the most talented beauties on this list. With success as both a pop singer and an actress, Piper took Britain by storm nearly 12 years ago and hasn’t slowed down much since then. She now stars as Hannah Baxter, an apparently every day woman who has a hidden life in ‘Secret Diary of a Call Girl’.
19. Lindsey Strutt
This Glamour model has become a favorite among the British public, as well as the troops. Lindsey has flown out to spend Christmas with the men serving in Iraq, which was a welcomed surprise,I’m sure. With a body like hers, who would return that gift? Affectionately called “The Strutter” by fans, Lindsey has appeared in Maxim, Loaded, and of course Nuts.
18. Roxanne McKee
This 29 year old former soap star turned model is making it in at number 18 on our list. Roxanne started her rise to fame after winning a part on the famous British soap, Hollyoaks. Some critics say McKee jumped the ship too early when she left the show in 2008 to further pursue her acting career. She hasn’t done much since she left the soap opera, but we didn’t say this was the 50 Hottest Women of Great Britain Who Are Employed, now did we?
17. Rhona Mitra
With appearances in several films and television shows, Rhona Mitra is a familiar face in both Great Britain and America. This bad girl says her renegade habits started at a young age, and even claims she was expelled from several boarding schools in her youth. Carrying that persona into her acting career, Rhona usually plays roles that have a sexy-but-deadly feel about them.
16. Michelle Marsh
A glamour model and a footballer’s wife, Michelle Marsh comes in at number 16. After winning several contests for her very obvious assets, Michelle went on to pose for several mens magazines, including Page 3, Maxim, Nuts and Playboy. Marsh is frequently paired with friend and colleague, Lucy Pinder on photo shoots and at promotional events!
15. Jennifer Ellison
This dancer, singer, model, actress has had her plate full the past few years, really making a name for herself in the British entertainment industry. With acting roles on Brookside and in the film ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, Ellison is on her way up. Her successful pop tunes and her leading roles in London’s West End certainly aren’t hurting either. But enough with her credentials… on to her pictures!
14. Elizabeth Hurley
Elizabeth Hurley is one of the best known women in the UK. She gained that initial fame by dating romantic comedy star Hugh Grant. After a scandal and the implosion of that relationship, Hurley moved on to a successful acting career, staring in films such as the Austin Powers series, Serving Sara and Method. Liz now works primarily as a model and an advocate in Estee Lauder’s campaign against Breast Cancer.
13. Kelly Brook
With magazine covers and several commercials under her belt, Kelly Brook has worked very hard to gain the success she has seen in the glamour modeling industry. Brook once claimed, “People think you can’t be clever if you have breasts”. But judging by the way she’s managed her career and her assets, I’d say she is just clever enough!
12. Rachel Stevens
This former S Club 7 member rose to fame back in the early 2000’s. After solo albums, several acting credits and some modeling, it appears that Rachel Stevens is here for good. She is currently in the studio working on yet another album while also adjusting to married life and getting ready for her first baby! With endorsements and awareness campaigns, Stevens face is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable in Britain.
11. Kayleigh Pearson
One of several glamour models on our countdown, Kayleigh Person got her break after winning FHM’s High Street Honey contest in 2003. Since then, she has appeared in FHM and Nuts, as well as on CandyCrib. Pearson also underwent breast enlargement surgery, taking her from a 34B to a 34 DD. She is known internationally for her modeling career.
10. Danielle Lloyd
This former Miss Great Britain made a name for herself after posing nude for Playboy and losing her title. Now a glamour model and a frequent reality star, Lloyd is currently engaged to footballer Jamie O’Hara and is expecting their first child.
9. Emma Watson
Probably the most well known actress of her generation, Emma Watson is not only one of the richest, most talented young British stars. She’s also one of the most beautiful. With the success of her ‘Harry Potter’ films and her new ad campaign for Burberry, fans are getting more than enough face time with the actress. But for Emma, it isn’t all about looks. She is currently studying at Brown University in Rhode Island, just trying to be “a normal student”.
8. Gemma Atkinson
This lingerie model is probably better known for her escapades with football players and less for her work as a model, but that’s alright. She’s hot, and really, that is all that matters to us. Linked to Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Bent, Atkinson enjoys a man in the spotlight and is currently dating Britain’s Got Talent finalist Liam Richards, who was part of martial arts act Strike. Gemma has also made a name for herself on the stages of the West End, starring in Peter Pan and Calendar Girls.
7. Keira Knightley
With acting credentials like Atonement, Pirates of the Carribean, and Pride and Prejudice, Keira Knightley is the definition of a global superstar. She is one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood, quite impressive for a non-American actress. She’s come a long way from the young bride in Love Actually, and all we can hope is that she’ll be around for years to come.
6. Keeley Hazell
Keeley Hazell found her way into modeling after dropping out of school, and taking her chances as a hairdresser. Once she got a contract with Page 3, Hazell began promoting her image as a glamour model. Now one of the most famous, Hazell is rumored to be taking acting lessons in America and giving up on her modeling career. Only time will tell for sure, but let’s enjoy these modeling pictures while we still can!
5. Sienna Miller
Although her acting and modeling career had been riddled with scandals, Sienna Miller has proven herself to have talent to back up all the media hype. After appearing in films such as Alfie and Factory Girl, Miller decided to take a shot at being an action star. Although G.I. Joe didn’t prove to be a success at the box office, Miller bounced back, landing a role in the upcoming Hippie Hippie Shake. Miller is also dating her former fiance Jude Law again. Hopefully they hire an ugly nanny this time.
4. Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt is one of those women who is just undeniably beautiful. She got her first break in 2004 on the film “My Summer of Love” and she’s kept acting since that break out role. When it comes to the struggle of becoming an actor, Emily says, “It just sort of fell into my lap. It`s an awful story for people who`ve struggled and waited. It`s a horrible thing to hear. It was just incredibly fortunate”. With looks like this I think we’re the fortunate ones.
3. Lucy Pinder
Discovered while laying out at the beach, Lucy Pinder signed a professional modelling contract with Daily Star in 2003. Pinder has made several television apperances, but her main priority remains glamour modeling. She has covered such as Loaded, Nuts, Zoo and Maxim. In 2009, she was the first celebrity to leave Big Brother.
2. Kate Beckinsale
With roles varying from Shakespeare to Fantasy, Beckinsale has quickly made a place for herself on the Hollywood A-List. Named Esquire’s sexiest woman alive in 2009, Beckinsale appears to only be getting better with age. Late in the year, you can expect to see Kate in the film, The Trials of Cate McCullough, where she will play a hotshot lawyer trying to put her life back together.
1. Cheryl Cole
Cheryl Cole, who came to fame as a member of Girls Aloud, has risen to super stardom in Great Britain. Becoming the nation’s sweetheart, she is a judge on The X Factor, a dancer, an actress, and a model. Although she used to be married to footballer Ashley Cole, they have recently filed for divorce. With the fastest selling single of 2009, cover spreads in British Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as becoming the new face of L’Oreal, Cole won’t be jumping off our radar anytime soon.