Zac Efron to headline 'Kids Choice Awards'

SYDNEY, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- American actor Zac Efron, who stars in "Hairspray," is heading to Australia to serve as host of the 2007 Nickelodeon "Australian Kids Choice Awards."

Efron is scheduled to arrive in Sydney in October. In addition to his hosting duties, he will perform alongside Australian sensations, the Veronicas, Australia’s Herald Sun reported Sunday.

Efron, 19, starred in the popular kids movie "High School Musical," and its sequel before landing the role in "Hairspray.”

"I'm so excited to be coming to Australia to host Nick's 'Kids Choice Awards,'" Efron said. "I can't wait to get down there and slime all the Aussie kids -- it's going to be a blast."

Efron, who says he loves Australia so much he wants to buy a house there, will be in Sydney Sept. 5 for the Australian premiere of “Hairspray” -- which also stars John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah.