David Hasselhoff dazzles on Celebrity Apprentice

David Hasselhoff poses for a photo with fans in Sydney Park, while offering dog grooming services to the public. Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: News Limited

Colin Vickery, The Herald Sun, reports

You’ve got to love David Hasselhoff. The former Knight Rider and Baywatch star has enough energy to light up a small city.

Hasselhoff, or The Hoff as he likes to be called, is the X factor that makes this year's Celebrity Apprentice Australia a treat.

The Hoff didn't come to Australia to slum it. He brings a passion to the Channel 9 reality show that is infectious.

Last night the men's Platinum team used the Hoff to win and raise $245,000 for charity in a dog pampering challenge.

The most watched star in the world - according to the Guinness Book of Records - was unstoppable as he was mobbed by fans on Bondi Beach.

Male celebrities including Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Ben Dark and Vince Sorrenti were in awe of The Hoff.

Former AFL star Jason Akermanis was clearly jealous that The Hoff was getting so much attention.

Even the female Fortune celebrities got caught up in Hoff-mania. Tania Zaetta banged on endlessly about her short stint in Baywatch.

The Fortune females spent most of the dog challenge bitching about one another. The Platinum guys seem much more team spirited.

Things got emotional near the end when The Hoff handed over that monster cheque to the Starlight Foundation and explained how a young child had changed his life on the set of Knight Rider.

Celebrity Apprentice Australia is a winner. Long live The Hoff.

Celebrity Apprentice Australia star David Hasselhoff is foreman material

David Hasselhof attempts a resuce on Bondi Beach - Celebrity Apprentice contestants filming at Bondi Beach. Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: The Daily Telegraph

Holly Byrnes, The Daily Telegraph, reports

FORGET the hounds, Channel 9 released "The Hoff" on Sydney's streets yesterday.

Still boasting the tan he made famous on Baywatch, David Hasselhoff led the all-male team on the new Celebrity Apprentice Australia as they rounded up props and support for their first challenge - a pet pampering service - today.

The 59-year-old led the charge from Cremorne's Orpheum Theatre, where contestants filmed the opening scenes of the new season show.

Ian "Dicko" Dickson and AFL loudmouth Jason Akermanis, not known as wallflower types, appeared awestruck by the towering American.

Having struggled to overcome personal demons, including a battle with alcohol addiction, Hasselhoff has made a career of TV cameos like this one.

He was the first to be booted off the last series of Dancing With The Stars in the US, where he paired with Aussie Kym Johnson.

"He's going to hit the wall at some point," Dickson said about Hasselhoff's fast pace.

Fellow contestant Ben Dark was also impressed by The Hoff's determination to win the challenge. "I'll be his coffee boy if he keeps this up" Dark said.

Teammate and model Nathan Joliffe had some favourable comments for the American after he stripped off at the beach.

"He's not wearing Speedos but looking bloody good if you ask me," he said.

The public are invited to get involved in today's challenge, with Charlotte Dawson texting the details:

"Please come between 1pm-3pm to Sydney Park, car park entrance, corner King St & Princes Highway, Alexandria x Bring your own or steal someone's dog for a pampering. I will be shovelling shit so bring your camera ;)"

Patti signs up for boardroom battles in Celebrity Apprentice

Patti Newton is set to appear on the second series of Celebrity Apprentice. Picture: Andrew Henshaw Source: Herald Sun

Kate McMahon, The Herald Sun, reports

PATTI Newton is set to make a stunning return to prime time television after a year of personal turmoil, signing up to compete alongside David Hasselhoff on the second series of Nine's Celebrity Apprentice.

Newton, 66, will face off in the boardroom against stars including former footballer Jason Akermanis, champion waterskier Lauryn Eagle, MasterChef favourite Marion Grasby, comedian Fiona O'Loughlin and ex-Can of Worms host Ian Dickson as well as Baywatch actor Hasselhoff.

The move back into the spotlight comes after a tumultuous 2011 for Patti and her showbiz family.

Her husband Bert was taken to hospital with pneumonia in July, spending a week at Epworth hospital.

Meanwhile, son Matthew was not far from headlines throughout the year as he was treated for manic depression and mental illness, labelling himself a "walking time bomb" in an interview.

In December, he was charged with two counts of assault on a 66-year-old cabbie, which will be heard in court on January 21.

In perhaps a tribute to her daughter Lauren's children, Newton will be supporting Sids and Kids as her charity on the Mark Bouris-fronted show.

Filming will start today in Sydney.

Kris Smith falls on his Apprentice sword

Kris Smith says he's not in the running for the new season of Celebrity Apprentice. Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph reports

WITH the announcement of Channel 9's new Celebrity Apprentice contestants but a few sleeps away, one person who has taken himself out of the reality TV running for the cut-throat competition is Kris Smith.

Every name from David Hasselhoff to Ian "Dicko" Dickson was heard as potential talent for boss Mark Bouris after the finale of the first series in November, Smith included.

But the Myer clothes horse and Mrs Dannii Minogue confirmed on Twitter yesterday that there was "no truth" to talk he was heading into the Channel 9 boardroom.

Hey, so long as Deni Hines doesn't reprise, we'll be happy.