Ricky Gervais says lawyer checks his harsh Golden Globes jokes

Ricky Gervais has admitted he makes taking aim at celebrities at the Golden Globes a “spectator sport” – but added that he gets a lawyer to check out his jokes first.

The comedian and actor, 58, has hosted the glamorous awards show four times and had the audience in stitches with his scathing comments.

Gervais has now been invited back for a fifth go at the event next year.

Read more: Ricky Gervais returns as Golden Globes host

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, he said: “The first time I did it I thought, ‘Shall I do it for the 200 egos in the room or for the 200 million watching at home?’

“It’s no contest, and I try and make it a spectator sport.”

The After Life star said he does have to let a lawyer run their eye over his script “at the last minute”.

But he added: “They don’t change anything because I know the law and what I can get away with.

“I’ve never libelled anyone, and I’ve never had a complaint upheld!”

He went on: “People asked me why I go to so much trouble to offend people and I said, ‘It’s no trouble. It’s easy’.”

It was announced earlier this month that the star would host the Globes in 2020 although he had said he wouldn’t do it again.

He said in a statement that organisers the Hollywood Foreign Press Association had “made me an offer I can’t refuse”.

Read more: After Life could go beyond second series

Gervais added: “This is the very last time I’m doing this, which could make for a fun evening.”

The Graham Norton Show is on BBC One on Friday November 22 at 10.40pm.