Matt Damon named the "Sexiest Man Alive"

Matt Damon has been named the "Sexiest Man Alive" - even though he didn't want to be.

The Bourne Ultimatum star was honoured by US magazine People in its 23rd annual list.

But when the actor learned he had won the title, he wrote the publication a letter turning it down.

The magazine's Ericka Souter explained: "He wrote People a 'fabulous' letter explaining that he doesn't normally talk about his personal life."

She said he was blushing when he found out.

Damon wrote: "You just gave an aging suburban dad ego boost of a lifetime."

The magazine said it chose married dad-of-one Damon, 37, for his "irresistible sense of humour," "his dedication to his family", and his "heart-melting humility."

Damon gave People permission to reprint the letter, featured in the new issue, out later this week.

Last year, Damon's Ocean's Thirteen co-star George Clooney was in top spot, for the second time.

Others in the running for this year included football ace David Beckham, actors

Brad Pitt, Patrick Dempsey, and Jake Gyllenhaal, and chart star Justin Timberlake. Scots actor Gerard Butler, of 300, was also considered.

Meanwhile, in his letter to People, the actor suggested New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady - who is dating supermodel Gisele - should have taken the top spot.

Mel Gibson was the first to be named Sexiest Man Alive, back in 1985.