NEW YORK - "Baywatch" television star David Hasselhoff has admitted to relapsing in his battle with the bottle after being filmed apparently drunk and half naked while trying to eat a burger.

The video, believed to have been shot three months ago by Hasselhoff's teenaged daughter, shows the actor and singer lying on the floor wearing only a pair of jeans while a young female urges him to quit drinking.

In a statement, the television star said he had suffered a relapse but that he was now back in control of his alcoholism.

"I am a recovering alcoholic... Unfortunately, one evening I did have a brief relapse, but part of recovery is relapse," he said. He said the video just proved the "honest and positive relationship" he had with his children.

"I have seen the tape. I have learned from it and I am back on my game."

Hasselhoff, who starred in small-screen hits such as "Baywatch" and "Knight Rider," reached worldwide fame in the 1980s for his role as Michael Knight, starring alongside a talking car.

- AFP /ls