THE PIANO: CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN TO HOST CHANNEL 4 COMPETITION
Claudia Winkleman is to host a new Channel 4 competition which will give the chance to amateur pianists to perform at London's Royal Festival Hall.
The Piano, produced by Love Productions, aims to tap into the 'street piano phenomenon' and will follow a group 20 amateur pianists.
The opening rounds were filmed in four train stations - famous for their pianos - London St Pancras, Leeds, Glasgow Central and Birmingham New Street, with the finale taking place in the Festival Hall.
The judges on the series are Chinese classical player Lang Lang and pop superstar Mika.
In a surprise twist, the participants think they're taking part in a documentary. Host Claudia Winkleman then reveals that they're actually taking part in a competition.
Love Productions' co-founder Richard McKerrow said (via The Guardian): "Four years ago, we were both learning the piano and discussed how remarkable these public pianos were. We passed the one in St Pancras station every day on our commutes. Ian asked: ‘Could you make a show about it?’ I jumped at the chance."
The Piano will air in 2023 on Channel 4. More details will be revealed in due course.
TV Zone approached Channel 4 for comment. Original reports emerged in The Guardian newspaper.