British funnyman Ricky Gervais is to return as the host of the Golden Globe Awards in 2011.
Despite reports suggesting The Office creator had upset Globes organisers with some ill-advised gags about Paul MCCartney's divorce and Mel Gibson and Colin Farrell's past drinking problems, Gervais has been asked back.
The comic even ignored producers' requests to leave certain risque jokes out of the live show, revealing on the red carpet before the ceremony in January (10), "There were about five things they didn't like. I said I won't do them but I'm going to do them. It's live, so what can they do? They can't stop me."
Since the awards show Gervais has met with MCCartney and Farrell and insists both men thought his comments about their problems were funny.
Farrell has even gone public with his thought about Gervais' mockery of him: "He announced to the audience that he hates cliches, especially about Irish people being drunk, and then he said, 'Ladies and gentleman, here's Colin Farrell!' But it's what I was and what I did."
And MCCartney reportedly sought Gervais out backstage at the Globes and told him he "loved" his gag about his divorce battle with ex-wife Heather Mills.
He joked, "We actually came over on the same flight. I didn't get to speak to him because I was up the front in first class and he was behind me in coach, saving money. He spent an awful lot last year."
And, of Gibson, Gervais, who drank beer onstage throughout his hosting duties, quipped, "I like a drink as much as the next man unless the next man is Mel Gibson" as he introduced the Aussie actor/director to the stage to present the Best Director prize.
Britain's comedians are currently all the rage for Hollywood's top awards shows - Russell Brand has hosted the past two MTV Video Music Awards ceremonies, while Eddie Izzard took charge of the Independent Spirit Awards in March (10).