David Hasselhoff to Play Captain Hook in London Peter Pan Panto

David Hasselhoff, best known for starring in TV's Baywatch, Baywatch Nights and Knight Rider, is taking to the stage again. The actor will headline an English panto for the first time, appearing as Captain Hook in a stage family Christmas pantomime version of Peter Pan, opening at London's New Wimbledon Theatre on December 7.

Based on the J.M. Barrie play of the same name, Peter Pan is an annual panto favourite, telling the story of the boy who refuses to grow up and his encounter with the Darling family's children that has life-changing results for them. Captain Hook is the 'baddie' pirate they encounter on their adventures. Hasselhoff was previously seen in the West End for a stint as Billy Flynn in the London production of Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre in July 2004. At the time, he told the Associated Press, "This is not about making money—this is about following my heart, challenging myself and having fun." He made his Broadway debut four years earlier, when he took on the title roles of Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll and Hyde at the Plymouth Theatre in October 2000.

In addition to being well known for his work on the small screen for which he became listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as "the most watched TV star in the world," with Baywatch seen in 140 countries by over a billion viewers a week Hasselhoff has also had a substantial pop career in Europe. His song "Looking for Freedom" topped the German charts for eight weeks. He sang it from atop the Berlin Wall during the German reunification celebration, and the album went triple platinum. Hasselhoff has recently been in the news because of his nasty split with his wife of 16 years, Pamela Bach.

Peter Pan will run for a limited season to January 14 only. Also announced for the cast so far is UK TV comedian Bobby Davro.