Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has been chosen to be People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2016.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson

The 44-year-old action star will receive the annual honour and will be the cover star of the publication's special issue, according to website Gossip Cop.

Johnson - who still wrestles part-time for WWE - has been picked for his muscular physique, chiselled good looks and winning personality.

Since giving up wrestling full-time in 2004, the actor has gone on to become one of Hollywood's most bankable stars with roles in hits such as 'Pain & Gain', 'Central Intelligence' and the 'Fast & Furious' franchise.

Johnson's next film is the Disney musical 'Moana' and then in 2017 he will be seen in the next 'Fast and Furious' sequel, a big screen 'Baywatch' reboot and a remake of 'Jumanji' and will then start work on superhero film 'Shazam' and a follow-up to 'San Andreas'.

In the summer, Johnson was named by Forbes as the world's highest-paid actor with earnings of $64.5 million.

Johnson follows in a long line of hunks to take People's honour starting in 1985 with the first winner Mel Gibson.

Other recipients include Chris Hemsworth, Bradley Cooper, Ryan Reynolds, Channing Tatum and George Clooney - who, along with Johnny Depp and Richard Gere, has taken the title twice.

The 2015 winner was retired soccer star David Beckham - who is married to Spice Girl and fashion designer Victoria Beckham.