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Kevin Spacey stole the show as he hosted the Tony Awards for the first time, performing an elaborate opening medley that poked fun at rumours about his sexuality.

And he didn't leave US politics behind for the evening - the star impersonated former US president Bill Clinton and appeared on stage as his House of Cards character Frank Underwood.

During the 11-minute opening number, he donned tap shoes and numerous costumes as he parodied the Broadway shows nominated for awards on Sunday night.

"I can't believe how many people do that eight times a week," a breathless Spacey said afterwards.

"But that's why we're gathered here to celebrate all the incredible work that you do. Now if someone will please find my cardiologist."

Spacey donned a tuxedo, cane and tap shoes during the medley

His opening performance started with a parody of a song from hit musical Dear Evan Hansen. Spacey dressed as its title character, an anxious teenager - but he adapted the lyrics to reference his hosting concerns.

"Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of going live on air? Have you ever felt the ratings could disappear?"

Spacey was named as Tony host after several other celebrities turned the job down.

Comedian Stephen Colbert joined Spacey on stage to riff on Groundhog Day, while former Tonys host Whoopi Goldberg was on hand to help him with his Come From Away parody.

He referenced speculation about her sexuality as he joked, "How long have you been in that closet, Whoopi?"

She replied: "Depends on who you ask, Kevin."

Spacey's costume changes included his portrayal of Norma Desmond

He went on to make light of rumours about his own sexuality by dressing as Sunset Boulevard's Norma Desmond.

"I'm coming out," he sang in a black and gold dress, before adding: "Wait, no, wait."

Spacey also poked fun at US presidential candidate Hilary Clinton during the ceremony.

Dressed as her husband Bill, Spacey referenced the plot of Dear Evan Hansen, which sees the teenager write fake emails to integrate himself into the family of a classmate who dies by suicide.

He addressed the musical's star, saying: "Ben Platt was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People. That's very impressive. I was on that list a couple times, but, Ben, you know who you bumped off that list? My wife.

"Now, between you and me, you might be a better singer. But after seeing your show, there's no doubt that Hillary is much better at creating fake email accounts than you."

While in character, he also joked about recent US election result: "We've already had some surprising winners haven't we? I'm not even talking about the Tony Awards."