Kevin, of Townfield Lane in Barnton, ended up singing a duet with his hero, Neil Hannon - and his band, The Divine Comedy - in front of thousands of Hannon's fans.

Kevin made his name on ITV's Stars In Their Eyes, when he appeared live as Hannon himself. Since then, he and the real Hannon have become good friends - culminating in their duet at Liverpool's prestigious L2 venue on September 26.

"I just couldn't believe it when this happened," said Kevin, 20.

"Somehow, he spotted me in the crowd."

Kevin's heart leapt when Hannon asked him, 'what are you doing here?', and went on to explain to the massed fans who Kevin was.

"He tried to do an impression of me," said Hannon.

"And he's going to try it again - right now."

With that, he pulled young Kevin up onto the stage, and the pair launched into a rousing a capella rendition of The Divine Comedy's 'Everybody Knows That I Love You (Except You)' - which was the song Kevin sang on the TV show.

Hannon concluded by launching into his own, full version of the song - but he changed the chorus to 'Everyone Knows That I Love Him' in reference to Kevin.

Speaking to the Guardian, Hannon said: "The guy was shaking like a leaf, but he was remarkably tuneful - and it was great fun.

"I originally felt freaked out to be imitated on TV, but I've met the lad now, and he's very talented."

The Divine Comedy's three albums have made them huge stars on the British music scene. Their quirky, 60s-esque style has had a profound effect on Kevin for the last six years.

"I just think they're more interesting than anything else around at the moment," said Kevin.

"Neil himself is a genius - I'm convinced of that."

But it didn't all end there. After a Divine Comedy gig at Leeds University last Thursday, Kevin met up again with Hannon - and proceeded to beat him at pool.

"A genius he may be," said Kevin.

"But he needs some work on those tricky corner-pocket shots!"

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.