Jonathan Bailey has been named the sexiest man alive in 2025 by People magazine – the first out gay man to have the title bestowed upon him and to grace the cover of the magazine.
He revealed the news on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday (3 November), and described the award as “the honour of a life time”.
The Wicked actor has had a killer year after appearing in the cinematic adaptation of the popular musical – with sequel Wicked: For Good coming soon – and Jurassic World: Rebirth. He has also starred in Richard II in London’s West End while continuing his advocacy work for The Shameless Fund.
Bailey has also created several viral moments online, including appearing in short shorts during the Wicked press tour and his “slutty little glasses” which became a big part of the Jurassic World: Rebirth promotion.
“I f***ing hope so,” Bailey said when asked if he thought people would treat him any differently now that his sexiness has been officially recognised.
Speaking to People for the cover feature, the actor said: “Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. It’s completely absurd.”
The Bridgerton star spoke about growing up, getting into acting and feeling comfortable in his skin. “At various different moments in my life I’ve been like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got this’, which is sometimes met by a deep spike of fear and self-doubt.” He admitted being “very confident” when he was young but lost that slightly as he grew up.
He also revealed that he had tried studying through the Open University but had been “expelled” because he was so busy with work that he wasn’t able to finish all his courses.
“I didn’t finish my volcanoes and tsunamis course and I didn’t finish my Leonardo da Vinci course but I did finish my music [course]. But just at that point I got expelled.
“Hopefully, that’s something I can go back to.”
Asked about dating, he added: “I love a walk, I do love a dinner. It depends what number date. You know, if it’s like date 100, then Lego and pizza. Some of my best dates have been Lego dates.”
Some of Bailey’s co-stars took to Instagram to help him celebrate his news. Jeff Goldblum, wearing a t-shirt bearing one of two cover images, said: “He’s the sexiest man not only on this planet but [also] in the solar system, the universe and any multiverse.”
Ariana Grande wrote: “You’re the kindest and most beautiful,” while Marissa Bode highlighted “those abs”.
Fans were also quick to congratulate the star. One person wrote: “No one deserves it more,” while another said, “Sexcellent choice.” Someone else declared: “Finally, a year that got it right.”
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