Cast member Johnny Depp poses at the premiere of the movie "Public Enemies" at the Mann Village theatre in Westwood, California in this June 23, 2009 file photo.[Photo: Reuters]

Johnny Depp has been named Sexiest Man Alive 2009.

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star has been awarded the title by the US magazine People for the second time, after first being given the accolade in 2003. He is the third man to gain the honour twice, matching George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

A spokesperson for the publication said: "At 46, the father of two still reigns as Hollywood's most irresistible iconoclast; as one-of-a-kind as his beloved 15-year-old boots and as smouldering as his favourite Cuban cigars.

"He has had women swooning since his days as a teen detective on '21 Jump Street'."

Also included on the list are Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, Bradley Cooper, David Beckham, Gilles Marini, Nick Cannon and Chris Daughtry and Robert Downey Jr.

Upon hearing of his inclusion, Chris composed a song which included the lyrics: "Sexiest man alive? / Am I at least Top 5? / I know being bald /won't get me the cover / I just hope it's not page twentysomething or other."

False reports had circulated earlier this week that 'Twilight' star Robert Pattinson had been awarded the title.

Hugh Jackman will also be pleased, as earlier this month he told how he was looking forward to passing on the Sexiest Man Alive title he was awarded last year so he could stop taking care of himself.

He said: "The pressure's off. I can be a slob again. I thought there were thousands of other guys that deserved it, but it's been a great year."

Previous stars named Sexiest Man Alive by People include Matt Damon, Matthew McConaughey and Jude Law.