Ever since the first Nightmare on Elm Street, we at the People Page have found Johnny Depp irresistible -- wasn't it mortifying to see the hunk get absorbed by Freddy into the bed?

But now it's official. Again.

The eccentric actor -- believe it, 46 -- is this year's ``Sexiest Man Alive.''

In an upset for teenage girls, Depp nudged aside Twilight hottie Rob Pattinson for People magazine's coveted endorsement.

The Sweeney Todd star is no stranger to the honor, grabbing the title in 2003. Other double winners: Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Richard Gere.

Kate Coyne, senior editor at People, explained her reasoning on CBS' Early Show Wednesday: ``Johnny Depp was someone who was sexy 10 years ago. He'll be sexy 10 years from now.''

Sorry, girls. Depp's not a bachelor. His longtime companion is French singer Vanessa Paradis, and they have two kids.

One singleton who made the cut -- Matt Bomer, who stars in the new USA drama White Collar. He was named ``Sexiest Rising Star.'' Good choice.

LAWSUIT TIME

• Rod Stewart has been socked with a $3.3 million lawsuit.

Glaser, Weil, Fink, Jacobs, Howard & Shapiro filed the case Tuesday in Los Angeles, claiming Stewart owes for legal work on three cases, including one involving the singer's cancellation of a 2000 show in Las Vegas. A federal jury decided Stewart owed the Rio hotel $2 million for not showing up. Ouch.

• Nicolas Cage is really spiraling. The money troubled Bad Lieutenant star, 45, is being sued by his former business manager.

Last month, Cage sued Samuel Levin for fraud, saying that it was his fault that he was broke (we believe the term is ``financial ruin'').

In his countersuit, Levin -- who also claims he is owed 130K in legal fees -- said he advised Cage that he would need to earn $30 million a year to maintain his lavish lifestyle.

Levin contends that in 2007 alone the actor bought three homes worth more than $33 million, 22 cars and 47 pieces of art. He also owned (past tense) an island in the Bahamas, four yachts and a Gulfstream jet.

To boot -- Cage is also facing a $5 million tax bill.

Translation -- he needs some blockbusters, stat.

MOVING ON

Looks like Rihanna has a new boyfriend. An actor.

According to numerous media reports, the singer is being linked to Chris Brown lookalike Tristan Wilds.

The Wire fans may recognize him for his role as troubled teen Michael on the HBO series. He's now in CW's 90210 and will appear in Jay-Z's video for the single Roc Boys.

OVER & OUT

Model Joanna Krupa was ousted from Dancing With the Stars.

She and professional partner Derek Hough consistently earned high scores on the show but fans failed to keep the couple afloat with their votes.

Tuesday's episode also featured the Bee Gees, who celebrated their 50th anniversary by performing You Should Be Dancing. Alicia Keys sang Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart from her upcoming album. And Leona Lewis sang her latest, Happy.

A new Dancing champ will be crowned next week. Singer Mya, reality star Kelly Osbourne and Donny Osmond remain.

BABY NEWS

Mary Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, gave birth to baby girl Sarah Lynne on Wednesday morning in D.C., Politics Daily reports.

Cheney, 40, also has a son with her partner Heather Poe.