THE PIANO: CHANNEL 4 CONFIRM SECOND AND THIRD SERIES, PLUS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

The heart-warming series that captured the nation, The Piano, is set to return for a further two series. Claudia Winkleman will once again play host as she’s joined by Lang Lang, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest classical pianists of the modern era and Mika, universally recognised as one of the world’s great performers.

Commissioned from Love Productions, the new series of The Piano, expanded from five episodes to seven, will create incredible opportunities for undiscovered pianists to showcase their talent on public pianos across the UK, including some new iconic locations.

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.

Additionally, Love Productions will be producing a 1 x 60 Christmas special which will see some of our favourite pianists from series one return to play festive numbers in front of commuters in London’s King’s Cross Station.

Claudia will be on hand throughout to sprinkle some secret Santa moments and celebrity surprises on the occasion. Whilst Mika and Lang Lang will, as ever, be watching proceedings before stepping in to deliver a few festive gifts of their own.

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.”

The Piano was commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Specialist Factual, Shaminder Nahal and Senior Commissioning Editor, Documentaries, Madonna Benjamin.