"Need the magazine nowwwww": Fans erupt after Jonathan Bailey is named People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025

Actor Jonathan Bailey has recently been named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. The announcement was made on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday night. The late-night host also unveiled the magazine's cover featuring Bailey.

The magazine picked the Wicked star for the cover of its 40th Anniversary of the "Sexiest Man Alive" edition. Following the reveal on Fallon's show, People also shared the cover on its Instagram page with a caption reading:

"JonathanBailey is PEOPLE’s 2025 #SexiestManAlive! Brimming with charm, wit and almost unfairly handsome looks, it’s no wonder the ‘Wicked: For Good’ actor dove headfirst into our hearts."

Soon after the announcement, a flurry of reactions came online. Pop Base shared the news on its X page, and many netizens shared their thoughts on People's pick for the Sexiest Man Alive. An X user expressed excitement for the magazine issue.

"Need the magazine nowwwww," the user wrote.

Another user endorsed the magazine's decision and commented:

A netizen remarked that no one stood a chance in front of Jonathan Bailey.

Bailey has gained a strong following for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton. Many of the show's fans also supported People's choice for the title.

However, many on X disagreed with the magazine's selection.

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Jonathan Bailey shares his feelings on People's "Sexiest Man Alive" title

After announcing the People's Sexiest Man Alive pick of the year, Jimmy Fallon invited Jonathan Bailey on the show. Fallon asked the actor how he felt about being featured on the cover of People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Bailey replied:

"I mean, it's an honor of a lifetime. And I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so that I could be here."

Jimmy Fallon went on to unveil the second cover of People magazine, in which Jonathan Bailey posed with his dog, Benson. When the host asked the actor about his dog, he replied:

"He's such a good boy. And I thought, literally holding a hot dog. He's the handsomest dog," Bailey said.

Bailey shared he learned that he had been chosen as the Sexiest Man Alive at the beginning of this year while he was doing Shakespeare's "Richard II. Later in the show, the actor recounted an incident when his friends assumed he was joking or drunk after he told them he had been named Sexiest Man Alive.

"Cause we're starting the "Wicked" press tour, and I went away. I went away with some friends just before, just to get a bit of pal time. And we went out and we had a few drinks, and I was like, 'Guys, guys...' I was like, 'I'm the Sexiest Man Alive.'... And they were like, 'Yeah, yeah, yeah. Do your affirmations.'"

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The next part of Wicked is set to release soon, and Jonathan Bailey's co-stars from the movie also shared a video message on the film's official Instagram page. From Ariana Grande to Cynthia Erivo, every major cast member appeared in the video message to congratulate their co-star.

Jeff Goldblum said that Bailey is not only the sexiest man on this planet but also in the solar system, the universe, and the multiverse. Ariana Grande said that in addition to being the sexiest man, Jonathan Bailey is also the "kindest" and "most beautiful inside." Wicked is set to release on November 21.

Edited by Anuj Singh Kushwaha