British comic Ricky Gervais to return as Globes host

British comedian Ricky Gervais is to return as host of next year's 68th Golden Globes Awards ceremony, organizers the Hollywood Foreign Press Association confirmed here Tuesday.

Gervais, best known for creating and starring in the original British television sitcom "The Office," hosted this year's show at the Beverly Hilton hotel, delighting guests with some off-color jokes and irreverent humor.

"I can't believe they invited me back after (the) awful things I said," Gervais said. "Let's see how far I can go this time."

Next year's Golden Globe Awards - one of the highlights of Hollywood's awards season - will be held at 5:00pm (0100 GMT) on January 16.

"We are thrilled to have Ricky back as the host of the Golden Globe Awards," said HFPA President Philip Berk.

"His combination of wit, irreverence and spontaneity makes him the ideal host. He was fantastic last year, and he'll be even better the second time around."