Cheryl Cole, who recently separated from her soccer player husband Ashley Cole following the exposure of his string of affairs, has been voted as the most inspirational woman of the decade in a new poll.

The 26-year-old pop star was given the honour for both her 'beauty' and 'success' - with 29 percent of her fans praising her looks and 51 percent in awe of her career, reports contactmusic.com.

The survey conducted by the cosmetic treatment review website, www.goodsurgeonguide.co.uk involved 1,100 British women.

Actress Dame Helen Mirren came second, followed by chat show host Oprah Winfrey at third.

Former 'Friends' star Jennifer Aniston came fourth while TV presenter Katie Piper wrapped up top five.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth was named the sixth most inspirational woman.

Top 10 most inspirational women of the decade are:

1. Cheryl Cole

2. Dame Helen Mirren

3. Oprah Winfrey

4. Jennifer Aniston

5. Katie Piper

6. Queen Elizabeth

7. J. K. Rowling

8. Sharon Osbourne

9. Kylie Minogue

10. Amy Williams