NEW YORK - People magazine on Wednesday declared Hollywood actor Channing Tatum the "sexiest man alive" in 2012.

A muscular 32-year-old former model, Tatum has appeared in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," "21 Jump Street," and "Magic Mike," among other films.

Upon hearing he had been picked for the annual honour, Tatum was modest, the gossip magazine said.

"Y'all are messing with me," it quoted him as saying.

His wife, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, told the magazine that her husband sculpts and likes to quote 19th century author and poet Edgar Allan Poe, as well as offer her massages.

Previous laureates of People's award include actors George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt.

Among this year's honourees is also South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who made waves in this year's London Olymics.

Pistorius, 25, a double-amputee sprinter, did not win a medal but he inspired millions.

Nicknamed the "Blade Runner", he told People.com: "Being disabled doesn't have to be a disadvantage."

Are you surprised by this year's list?

Click on the thumbnails for more of Tatum and the other honourees. (Photos: Internet)