Bye bye Ricky Gervais: Controversial Golden Globes host to be replaced by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

(AP)

He was once feted by everyone from Ben Stiller to Johnny Depp. They praised his mockumentary sit-com The Office as the last-word in comedy cool, but now it seems Ricky Gervais' particular brand of smart arsery is out of favour in Hollywood.

It was announced last night that the British comedian would be replaced by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Former SNL castmates and firm friends since their improv days in Chicago, Fey and Poehler have both had massively success individual in various film, TV and internet projects. As a double act, they are probably most famous for an SNL skit in which Fey played Sarah Palin and Poehler played Hilary Clinton (pictured).

The Hollywood Reporter also reads some devious industry machinations into the announcement: "The hiring of Fey, 42 and Poehler, 41, two well-known comic talents with big fan bases - and large followings among women, who make up the majority of awards-show viewers - could be seen as a direct shot by the Globes at the Oscars, which went with a lesser-known and more male skewing host in Seth MacFarlane."