Five biggest shocks from new Baywatch documentary – from trashed dressing rooms and jealous boyfriends to drug binges
BAYWATCH babes reunited this week for a lavish bash to mark a new tell-all docu-series for the show – and fans will be left gobsmacked by the revelations.
Earlier this week, we reported how former star Brandy Ledford showed off her ageless beauty as she donned a pink dress at the beach-themed get-together.
Meanwhile, Traci Bingham appeared unrecognisable from her Baywatch character Jordan Tate character after a glam makeover.
The retro TV stars again joined forces for the After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun event in California.
The Santa Monica bash promoted the premiere of ABC News Studios docu-series – which is set to reveal a heap of surprises for loyal fans of the programme.
Baywatch was based on a Los Angeles beach from its inception in 1989, detailing the antics of a team of lifeguards led by Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon.
Yet from 1999 to 2001 it filmed two seasons in Hawaii, hence the tweak to the show name as Baywatch: Hawaii.
Now set for release on streaming service Hulu, we take a look at the five most jaw-dropping moments of the programme that scooped more than one billion viewers.
Hobie Buchannon actor was on meth
Hobie, played by Jeremy Jackson, was at the heart of a series of plotlines on the show.
One saw his character get arrested and facing charges of manslaughter when his girlfriend fell into a coma following a boating accident.
Yet off-screen, Jeremy was struggling as well.
He has since revealed he was on meth while filming his gritty scenes – and was even called out by co-star David Haselhoff on-set.
In the new docu-series, he said: “I remember David saying ‘Are you smoking pot or something?’
“And I was like, Jesus, they think I’m smoking pot? I could never tell them the truth. What would they think?”
He added: “When you haven’t slept for five days and you’ve been smoking crystal meth, having somebody look you in the eyes and say ‘Dude, are you okay?’ is like the worst thing that can happen.”
Pamela Anderson’s husband hated her sex scenes
Pamela quickly rocketed to a fan-favourite playing C J Parker in the series.
At the time of filming, Pammy was married to Motley Crue star Tommy Lee – who “begged” the beauty to have the scripts changed.
On-screen, C J was enjoying sparks fly with David Chokachi’s character, Cody Madison.
Yet the racy scenes were causing issues at home.
Baywatch co-creator Michael Berk told the docu-series: “It complicated her life. It complicated our life.”
He told of one particular incident and added: “Pam came to me one day and said ‘Please, rewrite this scene where I have to kiss David Chokachi.
“Tommy is just feeling really insecure right now and its not a good time.'”
Show star David also addressed the issues and added: “Tommy Lee took our scenes when we were boyfriend and girlfriend at face value.”
“I felt bad for [Pamela] because she was under a lot of pressure.”
Tommy Lee trashed Pammy’s dressing room
Tommy’s jealousy reached new heights when he trashed Pamela’s dressing room as her character’s romance with Cody escalated.
Co-creator Michael Berk let slip how the Girls Girls Girls hitmaker “trashed” Anderson’s trailer while she was filming a love scene with David.
Lifeguard woe
Despite the show capturing the lives of lifeguards on a Los Angeles beach, the docu-series reveals how only one star is actually qualified to do the job.
This came despite the actors being paid more than £2,000 per show.
The episodes detail Mike Newman’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease for the past 18 years.
Scenes show the actor, who played a caricature of himself for 150 episodes, feeling “jittery” and taking his medication.
The 68-year-old recently told People: “I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends.
“I’m taking life seriously.”
He added: “I hope this documentary sheds light on the heroism of the life-guarding profession and builds respect for the world-wide fraternity of men and women who consider it an honour to risk their lives every day to save others.”
Low show fee
As mentioned, the actors were paid around $3,500 per episode – which equates to around £2,600.
That amount was dwarfed by the cast of US sitcom Friends, who were said to be raking in more than £750,000 per show.
American-Canadian actress Erika Eleniak, who played Shona told the camera: “I actually remember freaking out seeing my first paycheck after the taxes were taken out.
“How am I honestly going to live on this money?”