TV Tonight: The Piano (New Series)

Claudia Winkleman, Mika and Lang Lang are back and on the hunt for more amazing amateur pianists. The new search begins in Manchester Piccadilly station, where they discover a classically trained boxer, a dance DJ with the voice of an angel, and an 80-year-old romantic who breaks their hearts. Who will they choose to play at the final concert?

In the spectacular finale of series one, viewers saw, 13-year old pianist Lucy win performance of the night with her awe-inspiring rendition of Debussy Arabesque at the Royal Festival Hall in front of more than 2,000 spectators. Since then, having won the hearts of the nation, Lucy has played at the coronation concert in front of royal guests.

Fellow finalists, Sean, Danny and Jay have also performed at the Alistair McGowan Piano Festival; Sean and Jay are writing music together, and Sean and Danny are performing at the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

The Piano was Channel 4’s  best-rating new format since 2017 (Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds).  The first episode  consolidated to 2.7m and the series average was the same [2.7m]   Viewers across the country heralded the uniqueness of the series and said it offered up a completely fresh perspective on music talent shows.

Ian Katz, Channel 4, Chief Creative Officer said:  “In a world full of wannabes seeking their moment in the limelight, The Piano was a breath of fresh air.  It celebrated ordinary people doing something extraordinary for the sheer love of it. From the 94-year-old widower who played in Glasgow station to find company to Lucy, the remarkable 13-year-old who stole the ‘nations hearts’.  It took viewers on a remarkable emotional roller coaster and I’m delighted that it will be coming back from more British stations, next year.”

Richard McKerrow, Creator’ and Executive Producer, Love Productions said: “It always felt somewhat of a creative leap so we were particularly thrilled with the success of The Piano on Channel 4.  Most especially the warm response from everyone who watched.  We’re extremely excited to be embarking on further series with the wonderful Claudia Winkleman at the helm along with Mika and Lang Lang and the opportunity to unearth a whole new range of unknown amateur pianists from across the country and to hear what music they want to play in public.”