Ryk towers above all in the heat Hot 100

"It is the first time in the five years since the inception of this popular poll that a local star has conquered the top spot," explains Melinda Shaw, heat's Editor in Chief. “What makes the heat Hot 100 special is the fact that it's totally reader-driven - the readers determine who make the list by voting for any celebrity they like," says Shaw. “It's not as if the editorial team make up a list of names that the readers have to vote for - the readers tell us who should be on the list, so it is a true reflection of public popularity.”

This year saw over 263 000 votes cast, and a easy victory for Ryk Neethling over international stars like Jessica Alba (second), Angelina Jolie (third), Wentworth Miller (fifth) and Brad Pitt (sixth). Ryk is, however not the only local hero in the top five - Olympic medal winner Oscar Pistorius shot from nowhere as he claimed his fourth position on debut. “That's another first for the heat Hot 100,” says Shaw, “Never before have we had two South Africans in the top 10, nevermind the top four! It shows how far celebrity culture has become in South Africa - our stars are right up there with Hollywood's A-list... and hot sportsmen are particular favourites.”

Model Lee-Ann Liebenberg is the highest-placed local girl at number 15 - which puts her ahead of Charlize Theron (16th) and Britney Spears (17th)!

The complete list with the 100 stars that made it into the heat Hot 100 as presented by MTN, is now available in a glossy supplement, free with issue 240 of heat, on sale now.