Kevin McGahern has revealed his family is 'absolutely over the moon' that he is taking part in Dancing with the Stars.
Comedian McGahern, who is best known for TV shows Bridget and Eamon, Republic of Telly and Clear History, will shimmy his way across the DWTS floor for the first time this Sunday night, live on RTÉ One.
He is set to perform a Viennese Waltz to Robbie Williams' You Know Me with his professional partner Laura Nolan.
And while he may be nervous to show off his best moves, his family are 'wildly excited' that he is taking part in the sparkliest show on TV.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment ahead of Sunday, McGahern explained: "This is the biggest that I have ever done in the opinion of my family. They never really cared if I got a TV show or was cast in a film, but Dancing with the Stars is to them like I have been nominated for an Oscar."
McGahern also explained his own personal motivation for taking part in the show. He said: "I have never been fit, I have never been overweight, but I have been on the cusp for a long time. I have always wanted to get fit but lacked the motivation so I kind of jumped at the chance because it means I would have to do it. I knew I would have no choice.
"And so far it's been going really well, I have lost a bit of weight. This is an area that I am totally alien to. I have never really danced apart from at weddings after about 8 pints, so it is a new skill and, to be honest, it is something my wife has always wanted me to do, so I like that aspect of it as well."
When it comes to competition McGahern reckons Brooke (Scullion) "will be really good" and he thinks Carl (Mullan) has has "a great personality".
"I don't what he is like dancing, but I know sometimes your personality can carry you quite far in the competition!"
He added: "I don't really want to focus too much on the competition I just want to focus on doing my best. If I get halfway through it I will be delighted with myself."
McGahern will take to the dancefloor alongside Panti Bliss, Suzanne Jackson, Paul Brogan, Brooke Scullion, Dr Marie Cassidy, Shane Byrne, Damian McGinty, Stephanie Roche, Carl Mullan and Leah O' Rourke.
Dancing with the Stars, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, Sunday, 6:30pm
