Step aside, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Patrick Dempsey - here comes Matt Damon, freshly-appointed as the "sexiest man alive" in 2007. The prestigious list is compiled by America's People magazine and it's usually a sum up of who was rich, famous, sexy and influential in the year that's drawing to a close. "You've given an aging suburban dad the ego-boost of a lifetime!" Damon joked about beating his close friend Brad Pitt to the title.

The Hollywood star has enjoyed a career revival with the 'Bourne' trilogy, and even managed to break the "tough guy" stereotype image that he had projected by doing something completely uncharacteristic for someone charismatic enough to have been appointed "the world's sexiest man" - he wanted to say no to the award.

People magazine staff writer Ericka Souter declares that "Matt wrote us a letter turning down the position when we first decided he was the winner. But it actually backfired because the letter showed everything we liked about him - including his irresistible sense of humor, his dedication to his family, and his heart-melting humility. He eventually gave in, and also gave us permission to print the letter in our latest issue!" Well, good for Matt - it is interesting to note this guy is not that keen on showing off. Someone better check his DNA - he must be a completely different species for the other major hotties around.

The Scottish actor James McAvoy is a refreshing (and new) addition to the list. His steamy sex scene with Keira Knightley in 'Atonement' has cemented his status as a Hollywood sex symbol. Plus, he has extra points from me for actually telling the world just how uncomfortable it was to simulate having sex with Knightley. It must have been difficult to make her shut up long enough to kiss her.

Last year's winner, George Clooney, didn't even make the 2007 list - and I have a feeling he's not going to have it easy from his Ocean's Eleven co-stars Pitt and Damon. On being crowned Sexiest Man Alive 2006, and becoming a two-time winner (just like Brad Pitt), Clooney joked: "I felt bad for Matt Damon, because he really wanted it. He campaigned hard for it, but he came up short. This one's going to be hard for Brad Pitt since he's been Sexiest Man Alive twice. He's enjoyed that mantle. I'd say 'Sexiest Man Alive' to him and he'd go, 'Two-time.' So that's been taken away. We used to call him Two Time. So Brad's going to be upset".

Last year, Matt revealed he was determined to steal the crown from George. He said: "I'm going to get a war chest going and save my money. George said I was close this year but I ran out of money for my campaign, which is why he won." Well, Damon got his wish this year and no doubt he's feeling pretty pleased with himself. Oh, well, I would, too, if I were him. And one final observation. There's no trace of David Beckham on the list. Now why do you think that is?


People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive 2007 list:

1. Matt Damon
2. Patrick Dempsey
3. Ryan Reynolds
4. Brad Pitt
5. James McAvoy
6. Johnny Depp
7. Dave Annable
8. Will Smith
9. Javier Bardem
10. Shemar Moore
11. Ben Affleck
12. Adrian Grenier
13. Will Yun Lee
14. Justin Timberlake