Cleo magazine's runner-up in the bachelor of the year competition, FLGOFF Ewan Stewart, now getting ready for a move to his next posting in Tamworth. (Photo by SGT Dave Grant).

We all thought Air Force was the more appealing of all the services and it's now official with the announcement of FLGOFF Ewan Stewart as Australia's second most popular bachelor following the outcome of Cleo magazine's annual 50 hottest bachelors competition.

Ewan, who was nominated by a fellow RAAFie, was working in Airworthiness Regulations at RAAF Williams when contacted by Cleo magazine to take part in the competition.

'I was really surprised when the magazine contacted me,' said Ewan

'My friend who nominated me had to do most of the work, she had to write why I should be bachelor of the year. She joked that she only nominated me so she could come along to the functions and meet the other 49 bachelors. But unfortunately I couldn't bring a date.

'The process was rather easy, I had to fill in a questionnaire, talk to some people from the magazine and get some shots done. From there, the readers and people at Cleo decided who made the top 50.

'I was very surprised by the whole thing. I didn't even expect to make the Top 50 let alone come second,' said Ewan.

When asked how his family and friends reacted to his nomination Ewan said: 'My father loved it, he thought it was the best thing in the world. Mum just laughed.

'I've had a bit of a mixed reaction from people. Some people thought it was great and others didn't. My mates made fun of me a bit but it was all good natured but now that I've come second it's a bit of a novelty,' said Ewan.

The winners were announced at a gala function in Sydney hosted by Nova radio duo Merrick and Rosso just before Easter. All 50 bachelors were flown in from around the country and were joined by a variety of celebrities from the TV, advertising and the modelling world.

'It was a real surprise to come second. The night was excellent and Merrick and Rosso were great, naturally they took the mickey out of everyone.

'I won a bottle of champagne, the guy who came first got $10,000 cash. Mind you it was a big bottle of champagne but I would have preferred his prize,' joked Ewan.

'As part of the competition we had to get some photos taken and take part in a TV show for Channel 10. I watched the show when it was on TV out of curiosity but I don't think I'll be watching it again.

'Some of the guys in the competition have been offered some modelling and photographic work.

'While I was up in Sydney I had some photographs taken, so I might get some work in the future but at the moment I'm more concerned with packing as I've just been posted to the Flight Training School at Tamworth.'

It will be interesting to see if Tamworth proves as popular of a location with the female members of the Air Force as it is with country music fans.

By Amber Doidge