Kevin Spacey has stepped in to replace Sir Elton John as the host of the singer's upcoming Grey Goose Winter Ball to Benefit The Elton John AIDS Foundation after the music legend offered to cover for George Michael at a concert in Australia.

Michael recently scrapped his tour Down Under to seek treatment for anxiety issues stemming from his near-fatal battle with pneumonia last year (11).

The Rocket Man offered to start his own Australian jaunt early so he could fill in for his friend at the opening night of a new arena in Perth on 10 November (12), but the commitment means Sir Elton will miss his Winter Ball charity event in London.

However, the star's actor pal Spacey has now stepped up to take on the job by co-hosting the bash with Sir Elton's partner David Furnish.

The event will be held at Battersea Power Station in London on Saturday (10Nov12) and will raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation. Grey Goose Winter Ball to Benefit The Elton John AIDS Foundation will feature performances by British stars Emeli Sande and Labrinth.

Tickets can be bought here and 100% of ticket price goes directly to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.