Globes host tips hand

LOS ANGELES - Ricky Gervais said yesterday that he plans to play it loose and off-the-cuff as host of next month's Golden Globes, with Frank Sinatra and his pals as role models.

"I want to host it a little bit more like someone from the Rat Pack would host," Gervais said.

There won't be any prepared schtick, such as a prerecorded comedy bit or a dance number, but the star of the British version of The Office said he would script his remarks, to a point.

"If you're not prepared at all, it can be very flimsy and a bit self-indulgent," he said, adding that he'll keep his material short and sharp because "I'm best in small doses."

Gervais told a teleconference that he'll avoid anything cruel or distasteful, but the stars on hand can expect "gentle ribbing."

"All of them, anyone younger and thinner and richer and more attractive than me. That's the ones I'm going for," said Gervais.

The Golden Globes air Jan. 17 on NBC. Gervais will be the ceremony's first host since 1995. Gervais is working on a 2010 animated show for HBO based on his audio books.