By Rachel Williams in London

George Clooney has been named the Sexiest Man Alive for the second time by a top US magazine - and the US actor says the announcement will rile friend Brad Pitt.

The heartthrob said his People magazine win would be tough for his rival in the hunk stakes because it equalled his record.

"This one's going to be hard for Brad, since he's been Sexiest Man Alive twice," Clooney, 45, said.

"He's enjoyed that mantle. I'd say 'Sexiest Man Alive' to him and he'd go, 'Two-time'.

"So that's been taken away. We used to call him Two Time.

"So Brad's going to be upset."

Clooney told the magazine he had not softened his position on his vow never to marry again, but added: "Who knows?"

"I've been married," he said.

"It's not something I'm looking out for. The truth is, I'm really happy."

He said having children was the "most responsible" thing a person could do.

"It's not something to be taken lightly," he said.

"I don't have that gene that people have to replicate. But everything in my life has changed over time."