David Hasselhoff still enjoys huge popularity in Germany

The 51-year-old was arrested on Saturday night and was released the next morning, said a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Hasselhoff, who also starred in the TV series Knight Rider, has previously spoken about his battle with alcohol.

He entered a rehabilitation clinic for treatment in 2002.

Following his spell at the famous Betty Ford clinic in California, he spoke afterwards about how he had "hit rock bottom".

As well as starring and producing the long-running lifeguard show Baywatch, Hasselhoff also featured in the sci-fi series Knight Rider.

German star

Baywatch was originally cancelled in the US after just one season but Hasselhoff and his partners bought the rights to it in 1991 because of massive overseas interest.

The show, which launched the careers of Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra, ran until 2001.

It was reprised for a one-off special, Hawaiian Wedding in 2003, bringing together many of the original cast members.

Hasselhoff has also enjoyed success as a singer, particularly in Germany where he continues to tour extensively.