David Hasselhoff cancels Southend Christmas lights appearance

David Hasselhoff is due to play Captain Hook in Southend next month

Actor and musician David Hasselhoff has pulled out of Southend's Christmas lights switch on.

The star of Knight Rider and Baywatch was due to turn on the lights on Saturday, but has returned to the US because of a "family emergency".

Organiser Southend Bid said it was in discussions to find a replacement for "The Hoff".

"We totally understand his reasons for being unable to do this and wish both him and his family well," it said.

The actor presented an award at the MTV EMA's at the weekend

Hasselhoff is due to play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the town's Cliffs Pavilion theatre, from 13 December.

A spokesman for the theatre said he would be back in time for rehearsals at the start of December.

Christopher Biggins, who is appearing alongside Hasselhoff, was initially due to switch on the town's Christmas lights but had to pull out due to another commitment.