Ricky Gervais back as Globes host

LOS ANGELES — Ricky Gervais says he agreed to do a second turn as host of Sunday's Golden Globe Awards because he wants "to do a proper job this time."

"I don't think I went far enough," continues the comic actor-director-writer-producer. "Obviously not, because they invited me back. So, I'm going to do it again, do a proper job. And I guarantee they will not invite me back."

This year's Globe contenders should provide Team Gervais with a bounty of comic fodder, including best-picture nominations for the much-maligned "The Tourist" and "Burlesque."

"I honestly can't wait to do it," Gervais said. "I'm going to go out there, guns blazing, like it's the end of the world."

After all, the 49-year-old Gervais has little to lose, with what seems like projects at every network and studio in Hollywood. He reunites with frequent collaborator Stephen Merchant and "The Ricky Gervais Show" co-producer and co-star Karl Pilkington for the travel series "An Idiot Abroad," a UK smash that will debut later this month stateside on Science Channel.

With that, prepare for this year's Globes host to serve as a pitchman, too.

"I'm going to mention 'An Idiot Abroad' on Science," Gervais said. "I'm going to mention 'The Ricky Gervais Show' returning on HBO. I'm going to mention I'm in the Muppet movie, 'Wind in the Willows.' Steve (collaborator Merchant) has got a fridge-freezer for sale."

Gervais, a 2004 Golden Globe winner for starring in the original British version of "The Office," promises he'll never host the Globes again.

"You know I said that last time," he replied. "I mean, who knows? I want to do either such a bad job I'm not invited back, or such a good job that I don't want to do it again. That's nice to do such a good job you don't revisit it. It sounds arrogant and smug, but we thought that with 'The Office' and "Extras.' We thought we put everything into it, and we can leave it there. So, I'd like to say I'm better the second time around. So, I should leave it there, if I do a good job or a bad job. I mean, but who knows? It's once a year and it's so much fun."

The 68th annual Golden Globe Awards is set for Sunday in Beverly Hills.

Online:

www.goldenglobes.org