Claudia Winkleman’s ‘The Piano’ has been renewed for a second season.
Claudia Winkleman is hosting a second season of The Piano
The 'Traitors’ presenter, 51, is to lead another series and a Christmas special of the heartwarming Channel 4 reality show, which sees train passengers take their turn of playing the instrument in train stations up and down the country.
Ian Katz, the network’s chief creative officer, told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: “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 94-year-old widower George who played in Glasgow station to Lucy, the blind 13-year-old who stole the nation’s hearts.”
The show features judges pop singer Mika, 39, and classical pianist Lang Lang, 41, who both enthused about the programme and how it “touches hearts”.
Lang Lang told The Guardian newspaper: “TV has never really had a piano competition accessible to everyone.
“We’ve had professional contests or series for vocalists but never just piano. This instrument really is for everybody. Piano connects people, it touches hearts. This is the sort of show I’ve always wanted to do.”
The ‘Spring Wind’ star noted that the setting of busy railway hubs as opposed to stuffy concert halls added a “much more casual and spontaneous” vibe to the impromptu performances.
Lang Lang said: “I’m pretty sure more people will be interested in playing piano after this show. It shows the sheer joy of music, no matter who you are.”
‘Grace Kelly’ hitmaker Mika enthused about the format’s “honesty” compared to other talent show he has been a part of like the Italian edition of ‘The X Factor’ and the French version ‘The Voice’.
Mika added: “They wear their heart on their sleeve in a way professionals just aren’t able to do.”
Tagged in Claudia Winkleman Mika