Why Ricky Gervais' Latest Presenting Vow Has Stars Exhaling

Ricky Gervais has Hollywood stars "breathing a sigh of relief" after declaring he is too old for the pressure of hosting the Golden Globes again – meaning celebrities may finally be safe from another of his notoriously brutal onstage roastings.

As OK! readers know, the The Office creator hosted the Golden Globes five times – in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2020 – becoming famous for merciless jokes aimed at some of Hollywood's biggest names.

But Gervais has now indicated the ceremony's January timing and intense preparation make another appearance behind the podium highly unlikely.

A Hollywood source told us in an exclusive chat: "There will definitely be celebrities breathing a sigh of relief now. Ricky made it clear that nobody in that room was safe when he hosted. Stars knew they could suddenly become the punchline with millions of people watching – so hearing that he doesn't particularly want to do it again will have some of them exhaling."

Gervais also recently told The Times newspaper: "I think I'm too old to take the pressure now. Especially something like the Golden Globes in January. It ruins Christmas. But never say never."

The comedian became synonymous with provocative Golden Globes monologues in which he mocked Hollywood personalities, movies and the entertainment industry itself.

Another entertainment source said: "Part of the excitement was watching famous people wondering whether Ricky was coming for them next. That unpredictability made great television, but being in the audience was another matter. There are certainly people who would be perfectly happy never to experience another Gervais roasting."

Gervais has previously admitted presenting the ceremony caused him extraordinary anxiety.

He told HEAT magazine: "It's the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever done. It's the only time I ever get an adrenaline rush or get nervous about stuff because I get one shot at it. It's like taking a penalty. I've just got to score. All I care about it, 'I've got to do that joke well. I don't care what they think of it. I don't care if I'm hated. I don't care if I have to go into hiding. I just have to say that joke well. If I fluffed the joke – oh my God, I'd never get over it."

The After Life star has been similarly reluctant about hosting the Academy Awards.

After a fan called for him to present the 2026 Oscars, Gervais reposted the message with a crying-laughing emoji and said: "F--- that!"

Conan O'Brien instead hosted the 2026 Academy Awards for the second consecutive year. During his opening monologue, O'Brien poked fun at Timothée Chalamet's over the actor's ballet and opera controversy.

O'Brien said: "Security is very tight tonight. There's concerns about attacks from the ballet and opera communities. They're just mad you left out jazz."

Chalamet, sitting alongside girlfriend Kylie Jenner, was shown laughing at the joke. O'Brien also warned the ceremony "could get political" before delivering another gag.

He said: "I should warn you tonight could get political. Okay? And if that makes you uncomfortable, there's an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock. It's at the Dave and Buster's down the street."

Gervais rose to international fame as David Brent in The Office, the groundbreaking comedy he co-created with Stephen Merchant.

He followed it with acclaimed shows including Extras, Derek and After Life, while building a hugely successful stand-up career.

Gervais has also written books, hosted the Golden Globes five times and won multiple major television awards during his career.