| In news as shocking as the revelation that a Premiership footballer may be a violent A-hole, it’s been revealed that Hugh Jackman will not be returning to host next year’s Oscars. Although Jackman’s Emmy-winning stint as host of this year’s ceremony was considered a huge success, it is believed that the Wolverine star was keen to make it a one-time deal – for now, at least – thus allowing him to concentrate on his movie and theatre projects. Even though Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman came on board recently as producers, they were unable to persuade Jackman to dust off his tux and MC once more, with sources telling Variety that he quietly turned down the gig over the past few weeks. Thanks to other sources, Empire has procured an exclusive transcript of the conversation: Mechanic: So, Hugh, do you want to host the Oscars for a second time?
Jackman: [mumbles inaudibly]
Shankman: What’s that, Hugh? We can’t hear you.
Jackman: [mumbles inaudibly]
Mechanic: Seriously, dude, you’re going to have to speak up.
Jackman: I TOLD YOU, I’M QUIETLY TURNING THE JOB DOWN!
Shankman: Ok. Sheesh, no need to yell. So now the search has begun for a new host – a search that some are saying could be over quite quickly. But that won’t stop us speculating furiously, so do read Helen O’Hara rank and rate some of her top contenders. The 82nd annual Academy Awards will be held in LA on March 7. | 
