Portman: the sexiest vegetarian?

Natalie Portman is being hotly tipped to be the World's Sexiest Vegetarian 2006.

The Israeli-born "V for Vendetta" star, who hasn't eaten meat for 16 years, is currently topping the poll to find the most attractive female veggie.

Natalie, who also avoids gelatin and other meat by-products recently spoke out about her strict eating habits, saying: "I am a very strict vegetarian."

"I just really love animals and I act on my values."

The online competition was launched six years ago by animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and "US Idol" star Carrie Underwood were last year's winners.

The rocker and his wife Gwyneth Paltrow are both strict vegans and are renowned for their planet-friendly beliefs.

The couple even gave their daughter Apple a vegan birthday cake from Moby's New York eatery.

The winners of the Sexiest Vegetarian competition, both male and female, are chosen by fellow vegetarians and will be announced at the end of May.

Other candidates include soul singer Joss Stone and British star Sadie Frost.