Ricky Gervais Lands Gig As Golden Globes Host

Ricky Gervais Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- British funnyman Ricky Gervais will host the 67th Annual Golden Globes on NBC on January 17, 2010, Access Hollywood has learned.

"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host," the star a-nd co-creator of the U.K. version of "The Office" said in a statement. "I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down."

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"We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show," Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which selects the winners, said in a statement. "He'll bring his unique brand of humor and charm to what will continue to be a fast paced award show."

In fact, at the 2009 Golden Globes, Ricky put down the Hollywood Foreign Press for not nominating his work, quipping, "That is the last time I have sex with 200 middle-aged journalists."

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With Ricky as host of the show, fans can likely expect several jokes at American "Office" star Steve Carell's expense. Ricky regularly makes a point to tease Steve over his wins for playing Michael Scott, the U.S. version of his original "Office" character, David Brent, at award shows.

Ricky was a rumored contender to host the 2009 Oscars, but the job eventually went to Hugh Jackman.

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