However, others say the dancing priest has brought nothing but joy and fun to the show, and that he is a good representative of the Catholic Church.

"When Brian only gave me one point, everybody around him was booing, booing, booing," says Fr Ray, shrugging of record-breaking low score.

“I would like to be the first singing priest to win,” says clerical crooner Fr Ray Kelly.

Fr Ray Kelly, who shot to fame with a performance of his own version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, spoke as his parish of Oldcastle prepares for its Concert of Carols.

“When they asked if I wanted to be the first contemporary artist to play in the Sistine Chapel, I didn't know what to say because usually there's this other guy who sings.”

“Personally I’ve enjoyed my priesthood. It’s a privileged position because as a priest we are thrown into the deep end of life with people, their joys and their sorrows.”

Despite becoming an internet sensation, the Co Meath parish priest has no intention of giving up his ministry to concentrate on singing.