Cole's naked ambition

The new West Ham United away kit might be drawing praise from supporters all over the country but Carlton Cole found that not wearing it can also have its rewards.

The West Ham and England striker was named 'Cosmopolitan/Joop! Thrill Centrefold of the Year' after posing for Cosmopolitan's annual Naked Centrefold special alongside 20 other men to raise awareness of male cancer for the Everyman campaign.

Cole collected his award at a lavish ceremony at the Orchid Bar in London and although he was delighted at picking up the award,  he was keen to state there was a much more serious issue at stake.

"I'm a little bit embarrassed as everyone can see me naked, but it's a good look and for a good cause and I'd do it again if I had to.

"My mates said 'What the hell are you doing, is this porn or something?' but there were loads of celebrities involved and it was for a good cause. Hopefully it's created awareness for testicular cancer and that you need to get yourself checked out. That's the main thing. The rest of it was just a bit of fun really."

To see more on Carlton's shoot and the awards do click here.