Matt Damon has beaten Brad Pitt to the top of the 'sexiest man alive' chart.

The Bourne Identity actor has been crowned the hottest bit of stuff on the planet by People magazine, usurping his Ocean's 13 co-star who was left trailing in fourth position.

In second place, strumpet Patrick Dempsey from Grey's Anatomy made an appearance, while the list also included British hot-pot James McAvoy.

However, according to People magazine staff writer Ericka Souter, Matt wasn't so keen at first to be given the title.

"Matt wrote us a letter turning down the position when we first decided he was the winner," she said.

"But it actually backfired because the letter showed everything we liked about him - including his irresistible sense of humour, 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!"

He's just too good to be true!

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