Bradley Cooper has been named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine.

The 'Hangover' star has been awarded the annual title by the publication and although he is honoured to win he admits he is shocked because he doesn't think he always looks great.

He told the magazine: "I think it's really cool that a guy who doesn't look like a model can have this [title]. I think I'm a decent-looking guy. Sometimes I can look great, and other times I look horrifying."

Although he is delighted to be named the Sexiest Man Alive, the 36-year-old actor insists his mother Gloria will be more proud of his win than him.

Bradley - whose father Charles died in January - added: "The first thing I thought was, 'My mother is going to be so happy.' "

The Hollywood heartthrob also revealed he is currently single and is not the "player" he is made out to be.

Bradley - who was previously in a long-term relationship with Renee Zellweger - said: "I'm a single 36-year-old male ... If you're a single man and you happen to be in this business you're deemed a player. But I don't see myself as a ladies' man."

Other famous hunks to make the top ten of People's poll include Liam Hemsworth - who is dating Miley Cyrus - 'The Wire' star Idris Elba, actor Chris Evans, Jennifer Aniston's man Justin Theroux and Ryan Gosling.

Bradley took the title from last year's winner Ryan Reynolds, who did not make the top ten this year.

People magazine will publish its full list of the 100 Sexiest Men Alive in their next issue which hits newsstands on Friday (18.11.11).