Claudia Winkleman wants you to apply for The Piano

Claudia Winkleman is inviting musicians from across the UK to step forward and share their talent as applications open for the next series of Channel 4’s hit entertainment show The Piano.

Whether you play classical music, pop, jazz or have written your own original compositions, the programme wants to hear from pianists who have a special connection with the instrument.

The popular series gives talented performers the chance to play in public spaces, often in the middle of busy railway stations, where their music can unexpectedly stop passers-by in their tracks. But what the pianists do not initially realise is that some very special people could be listening.

Applications are now open, with hopeful contestants encouraged to apply through the official casting website, takepartinthepiano.co.uk.

Claudia Winkleman says being part of The Piano is an honour

Claudia has spoken warmly about her experience presenting The Piano, describing the series as a privilege and explaining how much she enjoys discovering the stories behind the musicians.

She said: “I love it so much. We’re so lucky because we did it for the first time, we thought we’d only get one go. It is an absolute privilege to wait in stations for these amazing pianists who surprise us.”

The presenter explained that the programme is about much more than musical ability. Meeting the performers, hearing about their lives and discovering why the piano matters so much to them are all important parts of the experience.

“We learn about their lives, meet their friends and family and we learn about why playing the piano is important to them. For us all of us involved it’s an honour.”

Claudia also spoke about the affection viewers have developed for the show and how frequently people ask her when it will return.

“It’s a phenomenal show. We are so grateful that it seems to have a place in people’s heart. I’m asked a lot about it, like, when’s it coming back, and what were they going to play, so we all feel incredibly privileged to be part of it.”

She also took the opportunity to thank the railway station staff who help make the unusual performances possible.

“Also all the people who work in the stations, they’re so lovely to us. They make space, they let us put a piano in the middle of their station so we have to say an enormous thank you to them.”

How does The Piano work?

Unlike a traditional televised music competition, The Piano takes its performances out of the studio and into public spaces.

Pianos are placed in busy railway stations, with locations including London St Pancras, Birmingham New Street, Leeds and Glasgow Central among the settings featured in the show’s format.

Members of the public can sit down and play, while commuters and other passers-by have the chance to stop and enjoy the music. Some performances are spontaneous, while others reveal musicians who have spent years developing their skills.

What makes the programme particularly special is the secret judging arrangement. The performers are unaware that expert musicians are watching and listening from a nearby hidden room.

The judging line-up has included internationally recognised musicians such as Mika, Lang Lang and Jon Batiste, alongside guest mentors.

Claudia moves around the stations, chats with the performers and finds out more about their musical journeys. The pianists are eventually told that they have been playing for a panel of judges, making for some emotional and often surprising reactions.

Performers are selected to progress from the different locations, with those chosen going on to take part in a much bigger musical event at the end of the series.

The show culminates in a grand concert, bringing together the selected pianists to perform in front of a live audience at a major venue.

Who can apply for The Piano?

The casting invitation is aimed at people who have a genuine connection with playing the piano.

Applicants can come from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Classical pianists are welcome, but the programme is also interested in pop, jazz and original music.

You do not need to fit one particular musical style. The key message from the casting team is that they want to hear from people with something to share through their playing.

If the piano is at the heart of who you are, the production team wants to hear your story.

The application invitation says: “Whatever your story, whatever your style, if you’ve got something to share at the piano, now’s your time!”

When is the deadline to apply for The Piano?

Anyone interested in taking part should make sure they submit their application before the stated closing date.

The deadline is 6pm on Friday 4 December 2026, unless Love Productions determines another date.

Applicants should also be aware that not everyone will necessarily receive a response. According to the casting information, anyone who has not heard from a member of the Love Productions team by phone or email by Friday 11 December 2026 will unfortunately have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

How to apply for The Piano

Applications for the next series are now open.

Anyone who would like to be considered can visit the official application website:

Apply for The Piano at takepartinthepiano.co.uk

With Claudia Winkleman once again encouraging musicians to share their stories and talents, the search is on for the next pianists who could surprise commuters, move audiences and become part of the show’s next musical journey.

You might play classical music, jazz, pop or your own compositions. Whatever your background, if you have a story to tell through the piano, this could be your opportunity to share it with the nation.

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