DAVID Hasslehoff has been announced as the star leading this year's New Theatre pantomime when it starts in December.

This year's pantomime of Peter Pan will feature David Hasslehoff in the role of Captain Hoff the Hook, Neverland's bad boy.

Best known for his roles in the iconic television programmes Knight Rider and Baywatch, The Hoff is returning to Cardiff, a city that holds a lot of happy memories for him: “I love being in pantomime, it’s a lot of fun and to tell the story of Peter Pan is a huge honour, especially as I made my stage debut in the show as a child. I’m particularly happy to be spending Christmas with the people of Cardiff - so watch out Wales, 'Hoff the Hook' is coming to get you.”

Joining David will be Cardiff’s regular panto dame Mike Doyle who will star as Mrs Smee. Peter Pan marks his fourth consecutive pantomime appearance at the New Theatre, a venue he has appeared at many times during his 26 year panto career.

Following last year’s appearance as Widow Twankey in Aladdin, Mike will bring his array of comedy, costumes and audience participation to the high seas this Christmas.

Executive producer of Peter Pan Jonathan Kiley said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the legendary Hoff to the New Theatre this pantomime season. Both David and Mike are true showmen and panto naturals and will bring a wealth of stage experience to the production. They will be joined by a fabulous supporting cast in a show full of top-draw production values, stunning scenery, special effects and spectacular costumes. Peter Pan will be an unmissable theatrical event in Cardiff this festive season”.

New Theatre general manager Grant McFarlane commented: “Once again Cardiff will be presenting Wales’ biggest pantomime. The combination of The Hoff and Mike Doyle has all of the theatre staff on tenterhooks and we cannot wait to share the show with everyone later this year.”

With flying effects, barrels of laughter, magic and fairy dust, join Peter and the lost boys and set sail in this pantomime adventure complete with all of the ingredients audiences know to expect in this swashbuckling show.

Peter Pan will be captivating Cardiff audiences from Saturday, December 10 to Sunday, January 8, 2017.

For more information contact the New Theatre, Cardiff on 029 2087 8889 or visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk