Fonz to take pantomime role as Hook

Actor Henry Winkler will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at London's New Wimbledon Theatre.

David Hasselhoff was originally offered the role but pulled out to appear on Simon Cowell's new US show America's Got Talent.

Winkler, 60, will co-star with entertainer Bobby Davro. The show marks his British stage debut.

"I'm thrilled to be doing this and I'm honoured to be one of the first Americans invited to appear in panto. We don't have panto in America and it sounds unbelievably fun," he said.

"I love the Peter Pan story and I love Captain Hook. He's a villain but, hey, he had his hand bitten off by a crocodile - you have to feel some sympathy for the guy."

Winkler, whose film credits include Scream and The Waterboy, found fame as Arthur 'Fonz' Fonzarelli in hit show Happy Days. It ran from 1974-84 and the character became an icon - with The Fonz always sporting his trademark biker jacket and Elvis quiff.

"I won't be bringing too much of The Fonz into Captain Hook because it might get confusing for the audience - but I may keep the quiff under my wig just for old times' sake," Winkler said.

The show opens on December 8 and runs until January 14. Producer Kevin Wood said: "Henry was an obvious choice for us. He is a brilliant actor and is known for his larger than life performances as The Fonz across the globe. Parents will know and remember him fondly and a new generation of children will get to know his unique sense of humour."

Winkler is not the only US star treading the board in panto this Christmas. Dallas star Patrick Duffy is appearing in Cinderella at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.