I had a laugh when I read David Beckham's latest thoughts on his ever-changing hairstyles. He's quoted as saying, "I'm getting older, so I have to calm the hair. I've noticed a bit of grey, but as long as it's George Clooney grey I don't mind. I think George Clooney is one of the most handsome men in the world and I'd love a nice head of hair like his." Sounds to me like a bit of a man-crush! Well, George is probably a better role model than his other BFF, Tom Cruise. And after being a metrosexual style icon and manscape'd role model for fellas all over the world, Becks is only human.

Even celebrities can be smitten by the fame bug. In the silver screen of yesteryear, movie idols constantly emulated or blatantly copied the style of other stars. At various stages of their careers, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson were virtually interchangeable! But when Clark Gable appeared shirtless on screen and gave audiences their first taste of beefcake, other leading men immediately followed suit. Brad Pitt's latest look, with newsboy cap and vests, might not catch on however. Especially when his partner Angelina Jolie reportedly branded it a bad look and suggested he hire a new stylist.

What inspires the heterosexual man-crush? Is it hero worship? Is that why Richie loved the Fonz on "Happy Days?" Robin looked up to Batman? Is that why grown men go Ga-Ga over their favourite sports heroes? Is that why Matthew McConaughey and Lance Armstrong can't get enough of their own company? Each brings something to the relationship that the other is attracted to? Omigod...is that how "The Rat Pack" came to be!? Why is it socially acceptable to say to a fellow footballer, "I love you, man," before patting him on the buttocks, but not so acceptable to tell Curtis in Accounts Payable that his new haircut really brings out his eyes? "Buddy Movies" exploit this too...whether it's the "Ocean's Eleven" franchise, "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid," or "Swingers."

You need look no further than the covers of the major Men's magazines to see the heartthrobs whom Editors know are the biggest Idols of their own gender. The "Lady's Man" with the enviable girlfriend, sports car and ripped abs. From Jude Law to Mark Wahlberg to Sean Combs, these cover boys provide the same thrill of hero-worship as the old posters of Christopher Reeve's Superman, Sly Stallone's Rocky or Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Pumping Iron" did for my generation. I confess, whenever I see a male celeb around my age leaner than I am, I get a bit obsessed with their body fat content! (Mine is currently 14% fyi. Watch out, Ethan Hawke!)

Come on, gents. Who are your man-crushes and why? Are you a Leonardo loyalist or a Damon devotee? And ladies, which Hollywood hunks do you think make the best role models for guys?