Russell Brand and Kristen Wiig have been named the World's Sexiest Vegetarians.

Comedian and actor Russell - who has been meat free since he was 14 - and the 37-year-old 'Saturday Night Live' star topped the annual poll by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Congratulating the winners, the PETA website stated: "These sexy veggie-loving celebs have captured the hearts of many with their comedic charm and compassionate choices.

"Both of these hilarious hotties know that there's nothing funny about the abuse endured by animals raised for food on factory farms. These sexy stars prove that being vegetarian helps a person shine from the inside out."

When once asked by a TV host if he used fish oil as a way of staying alert, Russell, 36, quipped: "I'm vegetarian. I think it's cruel to squeeze oil out of a fish -because they're lovely little guys, aren't they?

"You shouldn't eat animals; it's mean to them!"

Kristen is also a devout vegetarian, and keeps to a strict diet, although she allows herself one day a week to indulge, and loves to eat Dark Chocolate Peanut M&Ms, lemon cupcakes, and "hot, melted cheesy sandwiches."

She explained: "I eat a lot of tofu and soy. I drink a lot of water, and I'm addicted to cranberry juice.

"I do have a splurge day once a week when I can eat whatever I want. It's good, because it helps you stay on track the rest of the week."

Russell and Kirsten replace last year's winners, actress Olivia Wilde and celebrity fitness trainer Bob Harper.