Benedict Cumberbatch insists he's "barely the sexiest man in [his] flat", let alone the world.

The British actor was voted the world's hottest man in a newspaper poll recently, ahead of soccer hunk David Beckham and teen idols One Direction.

Despite the coveted title, Cumberbatch remains coy about his newfound status.

"I don't know about being the sexiest man in the world. I am barely the sexiest man in my flat and I'm the only guy living there," he joked to British newspaper The Sun, the publication behind the poll.

"It makes me laugh because I see all the faults - I have spent 35 years of my life with myself. But I am very flattered. I don't know how else to take it but to be flattered and giggle."

Cumberbatch attended the Baftas at London's Royal Festival Hall over the weekend. He was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes but lost out to Dominic West, who was honoured for his role as serial murderer Fred West.

Cumberbatch is glad he doesn't get cut-throat during awards seasons.

"It is enormously exciting to be here. It is a hot day and there is hot competition," he said. "Thankfully I am not a competitive person - you have to be a little bit for acting roles but you try to kid yourself they are not competition, otherwise it drives you mad."