PANTO star David Hasselhoff has announced he will not be lighting up the Southend Christmas celebrations.

Former Baywatch star 'The Hoff' left fans disappointed after producers of the Cliffs Pavilion's Peter Pan pantomime issued a statement saying he had had to return to the United States because of "family reasons".

The Hoff, who is playing Captain Hook at the Westcliff theatre, was said to have left the country because of a family emergency and will not officiate at the Christmas lights event on Saturday.

He replaced Christopher Biggins who also had to pull out of switching on the lights because of personal reasons.

It is unclear who will now officiate at the festive ceremony.

Hasselhoff is still set to star in the panto from Saturday, December 13.