Everything we know about The Piano series 3
A new judge joins Channel 4’s popular piano show
A fresh batch of talent will sit down to tickle the ivories in The Piano series 3, with a lucky few selected by an expert judging panel to play the biggest show of their lives at the Royal Festival Hall.
This popular reality talent show only started in 2023 but it wasted no time becoming a quick hit with Channel 4 viewers. In it, we watch a selection of amateur musicians take a seat at pianos placed at various bustling UK train stations.
Once settled, they’re free to play whatever they like — from their own takes on pop hits to crowd-stopping renditions of the grand classics. However, unbeknownst to them, they’re being secretly watched by a panel of hidden judges consisting of musical icons.
With The Piano series 3, the show changes things up slightly while keeping the charm exactly where it is. Here’s what we know about it so far…
When will The Piano series 3 start?
The Piano series 3 is currently without a release date but reports suggest it will start in 2025 after a Christmas special has aired in late 2024.
Who will host The Piano series 3?
Claudia Winkleman will be back for The Piano series 3 after hosting the show's previous two outings.
The heavily fringed frontwoman has become telly’s host-of-choice of late following her success as the sinister string-puller on BBC hit The Traitors and co-host of Strictly Come Dancing.
Who are the judges on The Piano series 3?
There are some changes in store for The Piano’s judging panel for series 3, with a new star helping to select the best pianists to perform the show of a lifetime at the Royal Festival Hall.
Previously, the show’s judging roster has consisted of singer-songwriter Mika and Chinese pianist Lang Lang. However the latter has revealed that he will be leaving the show after this year’s Christmas special in late 2024.
The news was confirmed by Channel 4 in June, with Lang Lang citing touring commitments as his reasons for leaving.
“Being a mentor on The Piano and spending time with the talented pianists has been a true joy. The level of talent I have witnessed has been phenomenal, and it has been a privilege to see the love for playing the piano across the UK,” said the musician.
“I am going to miss Mika and Claudia terribly, but am very much looking forward to being reunited with them later this year filming the Christmas special.”
Winkleman quickly confirmed his replacement, with Oscar-, Grammy- and Bafta-winning musician Jon Batiste joining the show. This artist has performed with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé and up until recently served as the in-house band leader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
“We’re over the moon @jonbatiste is joining us on series 3 of The Piano” read Winkleman’s caption accompanying her post.
Batiste shared his thoughts via his own statement, adding: “I am so happy to be a mentor on The Piano and to witness the pianists for the new series express themselves on the instrument I’ve dedicated my life to.
”This show will bring together my unique history of performing in both train stations and concert halls. No matter where, I always have believed that music at its best creates community and brings folks together in divided times.
“It will be a massive joy to do just that all around the UK train stations with the piano and new talent. In collaboration with Mika, an incredible songwriter and musician and Claudia with her own inimitable style, I can’t wait for all the thrilling musical experiences ahead.”
For the first time in the show’s history, The Piano series 3 will film in an airport in addition to some of the country’s busiest railway stations.
The Piano series 3 is coming soon to Channel 4.
