Bradley Cooper is Sexiest Man Alive

Bradley Cooper has stolen Ryan Reynolds' crown as People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.

The Hangover hunk follows in Reynolds' footsteps after claiming the 2011 title, seeing off competition from fellow honourees including Captain America star Chris Evans and Jennifer Aniston's screenwriting beau Justin Theroux.

But Cooper remains humble about his looks and admits the best part about being named Sexiest Man Alive is sharing the news with his mum Gloria.

He says, "The first thing I thought was, 'My mother is going to be so happy.'

"I think it's really cool that a guy who doesn't look like a model can have this (title). I think I'm a decent-looking guy. Sometimes I can look great, and other times I look horrifying."

Other stars picked for the annual "hot list" include Ryan Gosling, Alec Baldwin and Idris Elba.