Ricky Gervais offers to host Oscars

The Office star joked that he would take over the actor’s duties at the 2012 film awards in Hollywood - as well as present the Golden Globes - for a cut price rate.

He said, “I’ll do it.

“I’ll be in town anyway for the Globes.'

He told US TV, “I can knock off 20 per cent. Two-for-one deal. I’ll just stay up there.”

Murphy stepped down on Wednesday after pal Brett Ratner, who was to produce the telecast, was forced to resign after he made a gay slur.

Last year, Gervais was warned he would never again work in Hollywood after a series of outrageous gags aimed at stars like Robert Downey Jr., Scientologists John Travolta and Tom Cruise, and Charlie Sheen as he hosted the Golden Globes.

But he has said he would like to do it again when the ceremony takes place on January 15 next year.

“They haven’t asked me officially yet, and I don’t know whether I’d say yes. It’s very tempting [because] for three hours, I’m the most feared man in LA, so that’s nice,' the 50-year-old told Access Hollywood.

The Oscars will take place on February 27, 2012.