Hugh Jackman says his wife was shocked to find out her husband pipped Brad Pitt to the post in the sexy stakes.

The actor - who is currently starring in new Baz Lurhmann flick Australia alongside Nicole Kidman - was thrilled to be named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine.

But Hugh jokes that wife Deb was less convinced by his win - because she expected hunky Brad to beat off the competition.

He tells Entertainmentwise, “She said, “so is it readers? Editors? Votes?”, and I said “well I think it’s the editors, there’s a think tank who get together and go through photos, and they decide.

"She replied “so anyone can get it...and Brad Pitt didn’t get it???”

See who Entertainmentwise readers voted the Sexiest Star Of 2008 here

Australia is out December 26