Ricky Gervais has been confirmed as the host of the 2012 Golden Globes by chiefs at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
 
The funnyman will host his third Globes in January, despite initially dismissing the possibility of returning following the drama surrounding this year's ceremony.
 
The Brit was criticized for taking jokes too far and for his mean-spirited comments.
 
Defiant Gervais took to Twitter minutes after his hosting gig was announced to joke, "Just told (Oscars host) Billy Crystal he'd better not use any of my holocaust or paedophile material at The Oscars. He agreed."
 
The Golden Globes awards ceremony will be held on January 15 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.