Nicole Eggert regrets quitting Baywatch when the lifeguard drama was at its peak.

The blonde bombshell played Summer Quinn on the hit series, which made global stars of the likes of Pamela Anderson as C.J. Parker, David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon and Yasmine Bleeth as Caroline Holden.

Baywatch - which ran for 11 seasons from 1989 to 2001 - became a worldwide television phenomenon and was one of the most-watched shows of the 1990s.

Eggert joined the cast as Summer at the beginning of Season 3 but walked away after Season 4 ended, after being promised a leading role in spin-off that ultimately never materialised.

Eggert now can admit it was an impulsive decision which she regrets to this day.

Speaking on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, she said: "I had some crazy idea in my head that if I left the show, I would be able to detach myself from the stigma that the show had given all of us as actors, which is now a thing."

Eggert explained that the original plan had been for her to lead a proposed spin-off, which was described to her as a "Beverly Hills, 90210-esque" beach-based series focused on lifeguard training and younger characters.

Eggert had been approached through industry connections while working on Charles in Charge, with early discussions involving producers who were keen to build the new project around her and a fresh ensemble cast of new lifeguards.

However, as Baywatch continued to grow into a global phenomenon, the network shifted direction and the spin-off plans were ultimately shelved.

She recalled: "They were like, 'Spin-off? Nothing! This is what's working, and we want it to stay like this!'

"So after two seasons, I politely bowed out, because it wasn't really what I signed up for." .

Looking back on her younger self, Eggert admitted the decision was made without fully understanding how the show's success would continue to grow.

She added: "At 20 years old … if I could go back and talk to that 20 year old … wild ideas."

Baywatch is being rebooted by Fox for a new series.

The show focuses on a grown‑up Hobie Buchannon -- who will be played by Stephen Amell -- who has followed in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch to become Baywatch captain.

His life is thrown into chaos when Charlie, the daughter he never knew existed, arrives determined to carry on the Buchannon legacy.

Other cast members include model Brooks Nader, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck and Livvy Dunne.