David Hasselhoff ditches Talent show

David Hasselhoff in 80s smash hit show Knight Rider.

David Hasselhoff has quit America's Got Talent.

The former Baywatch actor, who was hospitalised a number of times in 2009, claimed to be working on an as-yet-unknown TV show.

The 57-year-old actor said: "I am proud that I was part of making America's Got Talent the number one rated show for the past four summers.

"It's been a rewarding experience and now I'm thrilled to be able to follow my dream to do my own TV show, which will be announced very shortly."

Hasselhoff leaves a gap on the judging panel of the reality TV show alongside Brits Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan. No names have yet been suggested as a replacement.

A statement from the programme's broadcasters, NBC, said: "David's been an integral part of America's Got Talent and we are sad to see him go."

In October, it was suggested that the actor was signing up for a new TV programme with US TV network A + E.

Hasselhoff's daughter Hayley wrote on her twitter blog: "The Hasselhoffs signed the deal with A + E... Get ready for it."

- BANG! SHOWBIZ