Golden Globes 2016: Ricky Gervais to return as host after 4-year absence

Ricky Gervais has been confirmed as the host for the 2016 Golden Globes. The British-born comedian, who previously fronted the ceremony three times between 2010 and 2012 to huge, if not controversial success, will return to make some more scathingly hilarious comments about Hollywood and television's finest on 10 January.

The news was confirmed when the Golden Globe Awards official Twitter shared a silhouetted image of Gervais holding an award, set against the words "HE'S BACK" and the date of the show. The actor-turned-director retweeted the post before later writing on his own social media page: "Can't wait to host The Golden Globes again. My only guarantee is that not everyone will enjoy it as much as me."

For the past three years, the ceremony has been hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who were popular among viewers of the event. However, studio bosses believe Gervais has more of "a lasting impression" when it comes to putting on a memorable show, which is understandable considering some of his past jokes.

Who could forget the moment at the 2010 awards when he said: "I hope I haven't offended anyone. It's not my fault. I like a drink as much as the next man. Unless the next man is Mel Gibson." Or what about the 2011 awards, when he said: "It was a big year for 3D movies. Toy Story, Despicable Me, Tron. It seemed like everything this year was three-dimensional. Except the characters in The Tourist."

"We're excited to have Ricky Gervais back to host the most enjoyable awards show of the season in his own inimitable way," NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said. "Disarming and surprising, Ricky is ready to honour – and send up – the best work of the year in film and television. Fasten your seat belts."

Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, added: "Ricky Gervais left us with a lasting impression and we are thrilled to have him back in our show as we honour the best in film and television. His off-the-cuff wit and quirky charm will surely have the room and audiences around the world at the edge of their seats."

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