Timberlake is top sex symbol

Singer Justin Timberlake has kicked David Beckham into touch in the sexy stakes, a survey found today.

More than half the women polled thought Britney Spears’s ex had the edge on soccer hero Beckham.

Just one-fifth thought the Manchester United star was sexier while 29% thought they were on a par, according to the survey for Marie Claire magazine

Cry Me A River singer Timberlake has become only the second man to grace the mag’s cover for the May issue, following Beckham’s lead a year ago.

And publishers commissioned the online survey to find out whether readers thought the *NSync singer appealed to more women.

Asked what appealed most about the star 38% said his boyish good looks, 29% opted for his dance moves and 20% chose his toned body.

Marie Claire editor Marie O’Riordan, said: “When it came to choosing our man of the year, there was only one candidate, Justin Timberlake.

“The whole world has gone Justin-crazy. For us he’s got the three S-s. Southern charm, a sexy six-pack and best of all he’s single. What’s not to like?”

Talking about sex for an interview in the magazine Timberlake said: “I enjoy it and I praise it and I embrace it and I celebrate it – openly, freely and fun-ly, if that’s even a word.”