Longford and Cavan rejoice as Republic of Telly star advances to another week of Dancing With The Stars

The Gowna comic, together with professional dance partner Laura Nolan, notched an impressive 26 points after the pair danced the quick step to Iggy Pop's Lust For Life.

It was Kevin’s highest points haul since the competition began and served to underline the father of two’s steadily growing confidence with the popular RTÉ show.

Yet for all that euphoria came unbridled relief as Kevin spoke of how the build up to Sunday night’s live show didn’t exactly go according to plan.

“The day before (the live show) we did a rehearsal which went well and we had a run through on Sunday,” he revealed, adding how a run through of the dance off also took place.

“I was chosen for that and I made an absolute balls of it in the rehearsal and I was kicked out.

“That scared the absolute life out of me. After that I knew I had to calm down, get in the right frame of mind and relax and it seemed to work.”

Kevin, despite his own delight at making it through to another week, told of his own regrets at seeing footballer Stephanie Roche receiving her marching orders on Sunday evening.

“I was very sad to see Stephanie go as she is such a lovely, genuine person who has been giving it her all over the past few weeks,” he said.

Speaking to the Leader on Monday evening, Kevin revealed how energy sapping preparing for the weekly shows is and he also explained how his new found success has, in his own words “opened up new opportunities” for him.

“I have already been asked to turn the sod at the Gowna Ploughing Competition which will be a great honour,” he said, while pausing to reveal how his parents Una and Sean have fielded a deluge of well wishes and messages of support for him since the competition began last month.

“It’s just been fantastic,” he said.

“The support I have received right across Longford and Cavan has been phenomenal.

“And who knows, if I make it to the final we will have a watch along party in White’s (Bar) in Gowna.”

Based on Kevin's continued rise and progress to date, it's a desire that might just become a distinct reality over the days and weeks ahead.