Leona Lewis has beaten the likes of M.I.A and the late Princess Diana to be named the most influential woman to live or work in London in the past century.

The former X Factor winner secured almost two-thirds of the votes in a poll conducted to coincide with the 100th International Woman’s Day today (March 8).

Other women in the survey, carried out by the daily Metro newspaper, included Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts and top female firefighter Dany Cotton.

Lewis launched her music career after winning The X Factor in 2006.

She has become one of the talent show’s most successful winner and is currently recording her third studio album, which is said to have dubstep influences.

(by Jason Gregory)