Pleas for Ricky to host the Oscars – and come to the rescue of ‘TV’s biggest borefest’

HE’S the brutal British comedian who made headlines around the world after ripping into Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio when he hosted the Golden Globes.

But organisers of rival the Oscars are hoping Ricky Gervais can save their awards ceremony – described as ‘the most boring show on television’.

Gervais thrilled viewers when he hosted the Golden Globes in 2020. Referring to one star’s preference for younger partners, he quipped that the film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood ‘was nearly three hours long. Leonardo DiCaprio attended the premiere and by the end his date was too old for him’.

And to the obvious discomfort of the gathered Hollywood A-listers, he told them: ‘If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.’

In another barb, he said: ‘Looking at all the wonderful faces here today reminds me of great work that’s been done this year – by cosmetic surgeons.’

The Oscars ceremony, which takes place on March 27, has not had a host since 2018 and has seen television ratings tumble. A source said: ‘Things are so desperate this year that the Academy [the organisation behind the awards] even sent out a tweet asking people who they wanted as a host. A lot of fans said Ricky Gervais. There is growing talk that he should be offered the gig.

‘He’s the one man who could save the most boring show on television. The Oscars are always too long and viewers tune out when you get all these self-entitled celebrities going woke and banging on about their pet causes. Ricky would be a breath of fresh air.’

Gervais, 60, co-created the massively popular BBC comedy The Office and has just launched the third season of his hit drama After Life on Netflix.

Last night he played down the chances of hosting the biggest night of the Hollywood year. ‘They’d never let me do what I wanted,’ he said.

‘I mean, that’s why the Globes got me. They said I could write my own jokes and say what I wanted, no rehearsals. I don’t think the Oscars would ever allow me that freedom and rightly so… I’d do the Oscars but it won’t happen. I’d get cancelled halfway through.’

But former Oscars host Whoopi Goldberg begged Gervais to say yes. Appearing together on America’s The View chat show, she said: ‘People would adore it if you were up for it. Did I hear you say you might be interested?

‘Because if you’re serious I could talk to a couple of people. I know people.’

Gervais replied: ‘I know you do and that’s what’s scary.’

The source said: ‘Oscars viewing figures have been declining for years. Ricky’s the man who could save the day.

‘People would tune in just to see how shocking he is and to watch the stars squirm.’