Gervais set to host Golden Globes

Ricky Gervais was a hit when he appeared at last year's event

Comedian Ricky Gervais is set to present the Golden Globe film awards, organisers have announced.

The Office and Extras star was approached after he made a brief appearance at last year's ceremony.

"Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet," said Paul Telgedy of NBC, who screen the awards.

"There are just some things you don't turn down," Gervais said. The comic will present the awards ceremony in Los Angeles on 17 January.

'Unique humour'

Gervais added that he accepted after being told producers of the show were prepared to give him a "free rein" as host.

The star has said in the past he would be reluctant to host the Oscars because of the lack of "freedom" in the presenting role.

The comedian was a hit on last year's show when he appeared on stage and addressed Kate Winslet, winner of the best supporting actress award for her role as a former World War II concentration camp guard in The Reader.

Gervais presented an award at the Primetime Emmys in September

"I told you, do a Holocaust movie and the awards come, didn't I?" Gervais quipped.

Over the past few years, the Globes have not had a main host - instead, numerous celebrities have been chosen to present individual awards.

Nominations for the 67th Golden Globe Awards will be announced on December 15.

Philip Berk, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said he was "delighted" to have Gervais as host.

"He'll bring his unique brand of humour and charm to what will continue to be a fast-paced award show," he said.

Gervais has won Globes for both The Office and Extras - the only two British sitcoms that have ever won prizes at the US awards ceremony.

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