In a bid to maintain audience interest in one of the more established celebrity mutual-admiration fests, the Golden Globes have added a host to this year’s broadcast. The awards show, which honours both film and television, hasn’t had a host since 1995, when John Larroquette and Janine Turner did the honours. This year it will be Ricky Gervais, according to Variety.

The addition comes as producers of established televised awards shows are revising formulas, hoping to keep viewers entertained while industry people hand each other statues. Both last month’s Emmys and last year’s Academy Awards took risks that paid off with Neil Patrick Harris and Hugh Jackman doing emcee duties, respectively, and showcasing their talents with musical numbers. No word on whether Gervais will follow in their singing and dancing footsteps (though he was in a new wave band called Seana Dancing, in the eighties, so you never know).  

“The time felt right. There are very few things that seem such an obvious choice,” said NBC’s Paul Telegdy of Gervais’ selection. “His was the only name we discussed. We agreed on it there and then.”

Gervais starred in and produced the original British version of “The Office,” which was later adapted for American television with Steve Carell in the lead role. He also enjoyed a run on the sketch comedy show ‘Extras.’ On the big screen, Gervais recently starred in ‘The Invention of Lying’ and co-stars with Ralph Fiennes in another comedy, ‘Cemetery Junction’ in 2010. He has also featured in the popular ‘Night at the Museum’ movies with Ben Stiller.

Gervais says of his pending hosting duties, “It’s an environment where I feel I can get free rein as host. I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don’t turn down.”