Ricky Gervais "can't believe" he has been asked back to host next year's 68th Golden Globes Awards ceremony.Organisers have confirmed that the comedian, best known for creating and starring in The Office, has been asked back after delighting guests with some of his irreverent humour.

"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 on January 16.

"We are thrilled to have Ricky back as the host of the Golden Globe Awards," said Hollywood Foreign Press Association 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."

One of Ricky's most talked about gags from the 2010 awards was targeted at Hollywood actor Mel Gibson. As he sipped on a glass of beer Gervais quipped: "I like a drink as much as the next man... unless the next man is Mel Gibson." Gibson then walked on stage to present an award.