As Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” gears up to start filming next month with a new cast, NBC producers have been targeting David Hasselhoff, Kate Gosselin and “Sharknado” star Ian Ziering.
A production source tells us one contestant high on the “Celeb Apprentice” wish list is “Baywatch” star Hasselhoff, who “is so unpredictable that insiders say he could be this year’s Gary Busey.” A rep for the Hoff denies he currently has a deal in place to join as a contestant.
Hasselhoff, who served as a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” will appear in the movie “Stretch” later this year with Jessica Alba, Chris Pine and Patrick Wilson. Next month, he’ll auction off his “Baywatch” lifeguard jacket, KITT “Knight Rider” car, German Bravo Award and other valuable items at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills as he switches homes.
Kate Gosselin is a veteran of reality shows, having starred on “Jon and Kate Plus 8” and taken a turn on “Dancing with the Stars.” Her rep could not be reached about a possible “Celebrity Apprentice” deal. Meanwhile, Kourtney Kardashian baby-daddy Scott Disick has also been in talks with NBC to appear on the show. His rep declined to comment.
Former “90210” star Ziering has been busy filming “Sharnado 2” with Vivica A. Fox and Mark McGrath. Ziering’s rep didn’t get back to us about “Celebrity Apprentice.”
Tennis great Martina Navratilova is another name producers are after, says our source — but her rep said she isn’t currently due to appear.
We’re told the “Apprentice” suits are also eyeing Olympics ice skater Johnny Weir, hot off the popularity of his NBC broadcasts (and fabulous wardrobe) from the Sochi games. A rep for Weir, who has just signed with CAA, said of him appearing on “Apprentice,” “This is not correct at this time.”
Past cast members of the hit show include Joan Rivers, Bret Michaels, Lou Ferrigno, Dennis Rodman and Cheryl Tiegs. An NBC rep declined to comment.