Idris Elba Had The Best Response To Be Being Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive

Let’s face it, being named the Sexiest Man Alive has got to brighten up a dull day. Idris Elba, star of TV show Luther, the MCU’s Heimdall and constantly mentioned as a future 007, recently received this honor courtesy of People Magazine.

Admittedly, he is pretty damn sexy, but it sounds like he wasn’t expecting the accolade. Upon hearing the news, here’s what he had to say:

“I was like, ‘Come on, no way. Really?’ Looked in the mirror, I checked myself out. I was like, ‘Yeah, you are kind of sexy today.’ But to be honest, it was just a nice feeling. It was a nice surprise — an ego boost for sure.”

Elba joins some extremely hunky company, including Dwayne Johnson (2016), fellow Asgardian Chris Hemsworth (2014), Channing Tatum (2012) and Ryan Reynolds (2010). The previous year’s winner, meanwhile, was Blake Shelton. I’ve never heard of the guy (I’m British and country music doesn’t travel well), but based on his Wikipedia photo, I’ve got to say…really? That was the sexist guy in the world last year? He looks like a rumpled Charlie Brooker!

Clearly, Elba’s an upgrade on Shelton. Not to mention that he’s the first guy of African ancestry on the list since Denzel Washington way back in 1996. So that’s nice, too.

Anyway, in typical Idris Elba style, he didn’t use this as an excuse to rest on his laurels, instead taking to Twitter to not only say how honored he was at the accolade, but exhorted anyone reading to get out and vote in the midterm elections.

Who'd have thought it! Thank you @people & all the fans for naming me #SexiestManAlive. Don't forget to grab your issue this week https://t.co/WI7eWfXOPB. I'm honoured & thankful. What’s even more important is your vote in the midterm elections. Your vote can make a difference!👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/TBQapjxJsT

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) November 6, 2018

Now that’s class. You can next catch Idris Elba on screen in Fast & Furious spinoff Hobbs and Shaw, in which he plays the villainous Brixton. Keep an eye out for it to zoom into theaters on July 26th, 2019.