Kev's the daddy at homecoming

The 35-year-old former Liberty X singer was voted through on Saturday night after singing Adele’s Rolling in the Deep.

Originally from Leyland but now living in Whittle-le-Woods, near Chorley, Kevin visted his local pub The Ley Inn with family and friends as part of the filming for Saturday’s final showdown.

As well as thanking fans for their continued support, Kevin sang his own version of Sia’s Chandelier which saw him through the show’s blind audition. And Carol Parker, sales and marketing manager for the pub, said it was great to have him back.

“It’s been really good to have him here and everyone has really enjoyed it,” she said. “We got a call from the BBC last night asking if we were free for Kevin to come down and do some filming and so about 50 to 60 friends and family have come down to see him. We weren’t allowed to publicise it but it went really well.”

Kevin performed in the pub’s Cuerden Suite and Carol says he has the backing of everyone in the area.

“The suite was kitted out with lots of banners to show our support for Kevin, he’s a very talented singer,” she said. “I think he’s got a really good chance of winning the whole thing and I think a lot of people around here do too.”

Kevin’s journey started when he wowed the celebrity judges in his audition, with all four turning their chairs to show they liked what they heard. Since then he has been one of the favourites throughout, although his reaction to Saturday’s result showed he’s taking nothing for granted.

After the results of the public vote were revealed, he told presenter Emma Willis: “I can’t believe it, I didn’t think it was going to happen.”

And the performance also impressed the celebrity judges; Paloma Faith calling him “exceptional” and Boy George labelled the singer “amazing”.

And the singing star tweeted he was happy to be back “up north” and reiterated how much everyone’s support meant to him.

Four finalists will battle it out in a live sing-off this Saturday for a chance to release their own winner’s single and to cheer on Kevin, tune into BBC One at 7pm.