A SCOTTISH actor has been named the sexiest TV period drama star of all time after scooping up almost three-quarters of votes in a poll.

The Outlander actor Sam Heughan, whose portrayal of Highlander Jamie Fraser caught the eyes of many viewers, topped the list. The American time-travel drama has showcased the Scottish Highlands to a global audience, and has brought Heughan a worldwide cult following.

In all, more than 150,000 TV fans voted in the polling final for the website British Period Dramas, with the 39-year-old actor winning almost three-quarters of the vote. The semi-final took place this summer, with Colin Firth and Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey being knocked out.

Heughan beat off rivals such as Cillian Murphy from Peaky Blinders, Sean Bean, and Tom Hughes.

Heughan’s latest accolade means he joins other Scottish “hotties” including Sean Connery, Gerard Butler, James McAvoy and Richard Madden.