British actor Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2025, adding to his growing list of accolades as one of Hollywood’s most magnetic stars.

In its feature story, People described Bailey as a man who “knows how to bring the heat,” highlighting both his effortless charm and down-to-earth personality.

“After diving into the frigid ocean off a beach south of London for this cover shoot (his idea), he sits down in a cable-knit sweater and requests a glass of Bordeaux — this writer joins him as well — and within minutes, everyone in the room looks flushed,” the magazine wrote.

The publication praised the 37-year-old Bridgerton star for his “charm, wit, and almost unfairly handsome looks,” calling him one of the “most irresistible stars in Hollywood.” Despite the recognition, Bailey admitted he is still adjusting to the attention.

“It’s a huge honor. Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered — and it’s completely absurd,” he told People. “It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out.”

Bailey rose to global fame for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit period drama Bridgerton, which is set to premiere its fourth season in early 2026.

Outside the Regency-era romance, Bailey has shown his versatility on the big screen, starring in Jurassic World: Rebirth alongside Scarlett Johansson and portraying Fiyero in the film adaptation of Wicked. He is set to reprise the role in its sequel, Wicked: For Good, which opens in cinemas on 19 November.

Bailey succeeds John Krasinski, who held the title of People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2024.