Not to disparage the medical profession, but one thing hospitals are not generally known for is a staff made entirely of hulking Adonis-like doctors and groomed-to-perfection nurses.

Then again, Shortland Street is not often watched for its hyper-realistic plot lines.

In this case that is a good thing as three of its actors stand nominated for "Sexiest on TV" awards.

The Best on The Box awards from TV Guide have been announced, and among the awards, the gongs for sexiest male and sexiest female are always highly anticipated.

TV Guide editor Julie Eley said it was a great set of awards, because it was decided by the public.

"We really encourage our TV personalities to get fans involved in their nominations. It's about getting as many New Zealanders as possible to vote for their favourites," she said.

The Sexiest Man and Woman awards are the most widely talked about, and a few newcomers have been thrown into the competition.

Toni Street, who won sexiest female last year, has again been nominated.

She is joined by Shortland Street's Amanda Billing (Sarah) and Kerry-Lee Dewing (Kylie), supermodel Rachel Hunter (New Zealand's Got Talent), Go Girls' hottie Anna Hutchison, and news presenter Alison Mau.

On the men's side, Tamati Coffey, who took out the Sexiest Man award last year, will face-off with love doctor Ben Mitchell (Shortland Street's TK), rocker Jason Kerrison (New Zealand's Got Talent), Tim Balme (The Almighty Johnsons and Nothing Trivial), Mark "Rigger" Richardson (The Crowd Goes Wild and The Block NZ) and Jay Ryan (Kevin, from Go Girls).

New to the awards this year is the stuff.co.nz Best NZ Fan Site to recognise the part that online is playing with media audiences.

Comedians across a number of shows will face off to declare one the funniest person on TV, and broadcasters will also square away for the Best News and Current Affairs Presenter award.

For a full list of nominees, and to vote, visit bestonthebox.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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