The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have confirmed the replacement host for next year’s Oscars ceremony after Eddie Murphy quit yesterday: veteran Billy Crystal, who has hosted the show eight times previously. After a very bad week of PR the choice is understandable but boring.

In one fell swoop the Academy have moved from a wacky risque choice (Murphy) to a steady pair of hands (Crystal) in a decision that will excite nobody. The story broke today after Crystal tweeted:

“Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions. Looking forward to the show.”

It could easily have been construed as a joke, but outlet after outlet reported it as news and the Academy confirmed the decision — weirdly, I might add — by re-tweeting Crystal’s tweet rather than first issuing a statement.

Sadly, the Academy’s decision crushes the hopes of an internet movement backing the Muppets as the best choice for replacement host(s). For the record: I happen to agree.