Ricky Gervais: ‘I’d host the Oscars if there were no strings attached’

British funnyman Ricky Gervais has thrown his name into the hat for the next Oscars hosting gig, as long as producers let him present the show his way. The comedian, who was savaged by critics for his mean-spirited appearance at the Golden Globes in 2010, has revealed he is interested in following Seth MacFarlane onto the Academy Awards stage in 2014.
Gervais tells website GoldDerby.com, “On the one hand I would be incredibly flattered (to be asked) and whatever you think of those sort of things, it would be a thrill and an honour to be asked.
“On the other hand I doubt the job offer would come without some strings attached. The worst string being, handing in my credentials as a comedian in favour of a family entertainer. We have to be able to poke fun at society without favouring any part of it because we are beholden to someone.
“It’s a fine line between feeling like you’ve sold your soul and feeling like you’re ruining someone’s party. it would be very temping though, I must admit.”
Oscars bosses have been left without a host for next year’s show after MacFarlane recently confirmed he would not be available for the 2014 Academy Awards.