Ricky Gervais to host Golden Globes

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

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

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

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.

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