British actor Jonathan Bailey, known for his roles in “Bridgerton” and “Wicked,” has been chosen by People magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive in its 2025 issue, becoming the first openly gay celebrity to receive this honor.

“Overflowing with charm, wit, and almost unfair good looks, it’s no wonder the 'Wicked: For Good' actor immediately won our hearts,” reads the Instagram post the renowned magazine shared to announce the news.

Furthermore, this special edition stated that in addition to being one of “Hollywood’s most irresistible stars,” he possesses “overflowing charm and wit and an almost unfairly attractive appearance” that justifies this choice.

Jonathan Bailey commented on this new title in an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which aired on Monday, November 3.

There, the heartthrob confessed that he learned he would be named “the sexiest man alive” while in London performing in Shakespeare’s play 'Richard II' and called it “the greatest honor of his life.”

He also joked about his friends’ and family’s reaction: “They’ll be furious that I didn’t tell them. And then they’ll scream with joy. They’ve seen me grow up. Behind the mask of being identified as a sexy man are other truths they know and have witnessed. They know the secrets,” he added.

Congratulations from the public and various celebrities poured in, including from his “Wicked” co-star, Cynthia Erivo, who told him: “YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Now the world knows what I’ve known all along ? I LOVE YOU! CONGRATULATIONS!!!”

Upon receiving this Jonathan Bailey, 37, follows in the footsteps of actors like John Krasinski (2024), Patrick Dempsey (2023), and Chris Evans (2022), who have previously appeared on the list. In its first edition, held in 1985,People magazine introduced Mel Gibson as its first honoree.