Idris Elba can’t believe he’s People‘s Sexiest Man Alive for 2018.
The 46-year-old actor expressed his shock in the magazine’s cover story, admitting he didn’t believe it at first.
“I was like, ‘Come on, no way. Really?’” the Avengers: Infinity War star revealed Tuesday.
Elba didn’t hesitate to put a humorous spin on his win, adding: “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.”
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
The London, England native is the 33rd star to be crowned Sexiest Man Alive. Voice judge and country singer Blake Shelton won the honor in 2017, while Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson snagged the title in 2016.
Many fans took to social media to congratulate Elba on his win, arguing that People upgraded this year.
“Idris Elba as the sexiest man alive is such a big upgrade from Blake Shelton,” one person wrote on Twitter.
idris elba as the sexiest man alive is such a big upgrade from blake shelton
— krisna (@thlonelyisland) November 6, 2018
“Let’s be honest Idris Elba is a high upgrade I must say damn,” someone else said.
Lets be honest Idris Elba is a high upgrade I must say damn? #SexiestManAlive pic.twitter.com/HfAYDSZviC
— kyt? (@ShotTakers) November 6, 2018
Another commenter chimed in: “What an upgrade! He’s the best choice!”
What an upgrade! He’s the best choice! ?
— sexy + he knows it (@FanInTheMoon) November 6, 2018
Speaking of upgrades, Elba revealed he experienced one of his own when he transformed from a “tall and skinny” kid to the “coolest guy on the block.”
“I was very tall and skinny,” The Wire alum said of his humble beginnings. “And my name was Idrissa Akuna Elba, okay? I got picked on a little bit. But as soon as I could grow a mustache, I was the coolest kid on the block. Grew a mustache, had some muscles, bonkers.”
As for Elba’s professional life, he’s in talks to join the movie adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats.
