‘I have to show my script to a lawyer!’ Ricky Gervais reveals his risqué Golden Globes jokes are monitored by a legal team… as he prepares to host the show for ‘the fifth and final time’
He is famed for his no-mercy approach to comedy, having taken down the world’s biggest stars with his scathing jokes.
Yet Ricky Gervais has given some insight into his risqué comedy as he chatted about hosting The Golden Globes during an appearance on Friday night’s episode of The Graham Norton Show, where he appeared alongside Kylie Minogue.
After the announcement that he is returning as host for the fifth and final time, The Office star, 58, told the host that he must run his script past a lawyer prior to hitting the stage amid legal concerns over his edgy jokes.
Happy days: Ricky Gervais has given some insight into his risqué comedy as he chatted about hosting The Golden Globes during an appearance on Friday night’s episode of The Graham Norton Show, where he appeared alongside Kylie Minogue (pictured in 2016)
Ricky is set to return as host of the Golden Globes in January, with a statement confirming he will host the show for the fifth time yet insisted it will be the last time he acts as presenter for the awards, which take place at the Beverly Hilton in LA.
His statement read: ‘Once again, they’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse. But this is the very last time I’m doing this, which could make for a fun evening’.
Meanwhile, Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Lorenzo Soria said, ‘When Ricky Gervais is at the helm of the Golden Globes Awards, we can always expect the unexpected. We’re excited to see it all unfold on Jan. 5!’
He has become famed for shocking jokes, including poking fun at Mel Gibson’s criminal activity and Johnny Depp’s failed movie.
Worries: After the announcement that he is returning as host for the fifth and final time, The Office star, 58, told the host that he must run his script past a lawyer prior to hitting the stage amid legal concerns over his edgy jokes
Cheers! Ricky is set to return as host of the Golden Globes in January, with a statement confirming he will host the show for the fifth time (pictured in January)
On deciding to attack the A-list he said: ‘The first time I did it I thought, ‘Shall I do it for the 200 egos in the room or for the 200 million watching at home?’ It’s no contest, and I try and make it a spectator sport.’
He went on: ‘I never do anything that terrible as it’s on network television, but I do have to show my script to a lawyer at the last minute…
‘They don’t change anything because I know the law and what I can get away with. I’ve never libelled anyone, and I’ve never had a complaint upheld!’…
‘Adding, ‘People asked me why I go to so much trouble to offend people and I said, ‘It’s no trouble. It’s easy!’
Cheeky! He has become famed for shocking jokes, including poking fun at Mel Gibson’s criminal activity and Johnny Depp’s failed movie
Cheers! Ricky hosted the show in 2010, 2011 and 2012 before handing the over to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for three years and returning in 2016
Both the Oscars and Emmys were without a host this year, however Ricky is set to light up the stage on January 5 in front of the height of the A-list.
This year’s show saw Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg make their debut in the prestigious and coveted role.
Ricky hosted the show in 2010, 2011 and 2012 before handing the over to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for three years and returning in 2016.
The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 22nd November 10.40pm.
He appeared alongside Lewis Hamilton, Elizabeth Banks, Ricky Gervais and Kylie Minogue on The Graham Norton Show which airs on BBC One, Friday 22nd November 10.40pm