Ricky Gervais to host 2012 Golden Globes

Ricky Gervais is hosting the Golden Globes for the third year in a row.

British comedian Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes for the third year running, it has been confirmed.

Last year his performance caused some complaints that he went too far when he made fun of a number of Hollywood’s big stars in the audience.

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The decision was made after the Hollywood Foreign Press Association met with a top official at NBC, which is airing the awards, People magazine reported.

Despite putting many Hollywood noses out of joint last year with his jokes, Ricky Gervais will return as Golden Globes host in 2012.

"While many welcome Gervais's return, not everyone is happy with the decision because last year his blunt one-liners targeting big-name celebrities caused anger and resentment in some quarters," says a blog post on the HFPA’s website.

The Globes take place on January 15.

The site says Gervais was initially reluctant to return but "gradually warmed to the idea" after meeting with HFPA president Dr. Aida Takla-O'Reilly in Paris.

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Last week Brett Ratner stood down as producer of the Oscars after he gave interviews featuring homophobic slurs.

Eddie Murphy then pulled out of hosting the ceremony and was replaced by Billy Crystal.