Los Angeles  - Australian actor Hugh Jackman, 40, was named the "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine Wednesday, topping the annual list ahead of James Bond actor Daniel Craig who came in at number two, and past favourites such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney and last year's winner Matt Damon.

"You can't go wrong with Jackman," People correspondent Michelle Beadle told CBS after revealing the selection. "He's Australian, first of all. He's adorable. He's got one of the best bodies ever. And he's a family man. We all love that.

"He's not on the party scene. He loves his kids, he loves his wife. He likes to stay home and make pancakes. He's almost too perfect!"

Jackman and his wife of 12-plus years Deborra-Lee Furness, are "a very romantic couple," Beadle added. They have two children - Oscar, 8 and Ava, 6.

Other big names in the list of 16 were Hairspray actor Zac Efron, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, actor Javier Bardem, Chinese pianist Lang Lang and football star David Beckham. (dpa)