David Hasselhoff ditches Talent

Jan 7, 2010, 11:29 GMT

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."