David Hasselhoff To Replace Simon Cowell On “Britain’s Got Talent?”

Simon Cowell has tapped ex-America’s Got Talent judge David Hasslehoff as his replacement on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Spending lengthy periods of time with TV’s Knightrider is enough to drive anyone over the edge. Unless, of course, you’re tough-as-nails and acid-tongued talent show mogul Simon Cowell. Simon has no official say in the decision, but he sees The Hoff as an ideal replacement when he steps down later this year to concentrate on developing the US version of The X Factor for FOX.

And he’s let BGT producers know as much.

The former American Idol pundit thinks so highly of David, 58, he’s personally endorsed him for the judging role on the UK television hit. Hasselhoff — who currently co-stars with daughters Taylor and Hayley on the A&E docu-soap The Hasselhoffs — has been offered a deal worth almost $1 million to join Amanda Holden and a still-undetermined judge, The Sun reports. Producers are reportedly impressed with the actor/singer’s four seasons of judging experience on America’s Got Talent, the US version of the wannabe competition series. Of course, he was dumped by Talent bosses Stateside after his notorious drinking antics attracted one too many negative headlines.

David hopes a gig across the pond will the catalyst for the comeback he craves.

Producers of Britain’s Got Talent confirm that they are in chats with Hasselhoff, but caution that “nothing has been finalized.”

Auditions start next month.

A source close to The Hoff reports: “David was delighted to receive the call as he really enjoyed his time on America’s Got Talent. He is popular in the UK and loves the country, so for him it is a dream opportunity. You might say it’s ironic Simon asked David to replace him after he was dropped in America. But they are great pals and David is really looking forward to the auditions.”