David Hasselhoff to join cast of 9 to 5 the Musical in the West End

David Hasselhoff is set to join the West End cast of Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 the Musical, which currently runs in London at the Savoy Theatre, over Christmas.

The Baywatch star is set to take over from Brian Conley in the role of Franklin Hart Jr, a sexist, egotistical CEO and boss of Doralee, Violet and Judy - three of his employees who are pushed to the edge and forced to take revenge.

Based on the film starring Parton, Hasselhoff will perform numbers such as "Here For You" and "Always A Woman", while the musical also features songs written by Parton including "Backwoods Barbie", "Hart to Hart" and the titular "9 to 5".

Hasselhoff, known for his starring roles in Knight Rider and Baywatch, made his stage debut in 2000 when he performed in the musical Jekyll and Hyde. Four years later, he took on the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago, while he has also appeared in The Producers in Las Vegas, and played Captain Hook in a pantomime version of Peter Pan in a different city every Christmas from 2010 to 2016.

On the announcement of the casting, Hasselhoff said: 'I went to see the show back in June and I thought it was 'Hofftastic'.  That's when I knew I wanted to be part of it. Franklin Hart Jnr. is going to be a fun part for me to play and I'm looking forward to being back on stage in the UK.'

Parton added, 'I am so pleased that David is joining our show. He will be a terrific addition to an already amazing cast, the audiences are going to love him just as much as I do! Get ready to be Hassled Hoff!'

Brian Conley's final performance in 9 to 5 will be on 30^th November, with The Hoff taking over on 2^nd December.

9 to 5 opened in the West End earlier this year starring Bonnie Langford, Caroline Sheen and Natalie McQueen, who each continue in their roles in the production.

9 to 5 the Musical is booking at the Savoy Theatre until 23^rd May 2020.

9 to 5 the Musical tickets are available now.

_{Photo credit: alfred_nitsch (flickr)}