David Hasselhoff pulled out of a panto role so that he could appear on Simon Cowell's new series.

Last month it was announced that the former Baywatch star would join the panel of judges for NBC talent show America's Got Talent.

However, The Sun claims that the actor was forced to pull out of playing Captain Hook in panto this Christmas alongside comic Bobby Davro.

The show's producers are now in search for another high-profile star to take on the role.