Simon Cowell calls Hasselhoff 'Precious'

Simon Cowell has nicknamed David Hasselhoff "Precious".

The reality TV mogul has been friends with the former 'Baywatch' star for years and Simon's brother, Tony, claims he is the only person who could get away with calling him such a girly pet name rather than his preferred The Hoff.

Tony told Star magazine: "The Hoff is a TV legend and I'm loving him! He's been friends with Simon for 20 years. In fact, Simon's nickname for him is 'Precious' and he's the only man on the planet who could get away with calling him that!"

"Simon said, 'David makes such great television and is so funny he doesn't know it'."

David has previously appeared next to Simon on the panel of 'America's Got Talent', and is now working on the British version of the show - alongside comedian Michael McIntyre and actress Amanda Holden - which has led to him finding a new girlfriend, factory worker and part time model Hayley Roberts, while he was filming in Wales.

When quizzed on his new romance, David - who has been married twice - said: "I knew you would ask that! I'm not sure if I'm in love at the moment. But I like her very much; the whole thing is quite fresh. In the future maybe I will be married. I definitely want to be in a solid relationship. I don't want to spend my time with a lot of women. I appreciate a solid partner by my side, with which I can spend the rest of my life."