Melbourne, November 5 Actress Kate Beckinsale thinks it is "mortifying" to have been named the Sexiest Woman Alive.

The 36-year-old 'Van Helsing' star, who was awarded the moniker by Esquire magazine last month, revealed she was still coming to terms with the new title.

"It's such a nice thing to happen and then immediately it's mortifying," News.com.au quoted her as saying.

She continued: "Somebody came up to me in the street and went 'are you the sexiest woman alive?' and I went 'yes' and then I thought 'errrggh I can't say yes to that!

"I should be shot on sight for that, it's awful!" (ANI)