The Piano returned for a second season after being a hit with viewers (Picture: Channel 4)
Channel 4 viewers have been ‘broken’ by the heartwrenching tale of a couple on The Piano.
Presented by Claudia Winkleman, the music competition series sees judges Mika and Lang Lang search for the UK’s best amateur pianists.
The first season, which was a roaring success last year, was won by then-13-year-old Lucy, who is blind and regularly had viewers in tears over her talent.
Fans of The Piano have been reaching for their tissues once more as it returned tonight and were moved over how Duncan, who has dementia, uses music to communicate his love for his long-term wife Fran.
Fran, who said she knew she wanted to marry Duncan, 80, the moment she met him, explained how piano playing was healing and helped him communicate when he struggled with the disease.
At Manchester Picadilly station, where the performances were being held, Duncan performed his own composition, a piece he wrote in honour of Fran.
Viewers were bowled over by Fran and Duncan’s relationship (Picture: Channel 4)
Duncan, who has dementia, performed a composition for his wife (Picture: Channel 4)
Their love story destroyed viewers, with Sue on X declaring she was ‘proper snot crying’ after Duncan played.
Stating they were experiencing a similar emotion, John Barry said: ‘No. Absolutely gone. Duncan and Fran have broken me.’
Andrew Jazzie said: ‘What an advert for true love.’
Viewers were also bowled over by Ethan, nine, who used piano-playing to express his emotions.
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He performed a piece his late uncle had asked him to play at his funeral.
Other pianists to play for Claudia, Mika, and Lang included boxer Ellis and DJ Salome, who spoke about her difficulties obtaining UK citizenship after emigrating from Georgia.
Salome is a DJ and is also a committed pianist (Picture: Channel 4)
Ethan played the song her performed at his uncle’s funeral (Picture: Channel 4)
Ellis said he applied for grants to fund his piano lessons (Picture: Channel 4)
As The Piano started, many viewers on X declared they were anticipating a good sob.
John Barry said: ‘Been waiting for this. I know I’m going to cry…I always cry #ThePiano,’ John shared.
Echoing John’s sentiment, Jane Sarah Matthews: ‘Nothing gives me goosebumps like #ThePiano The perfect Sunday night television.’
Marianne added: ‘The Piano is back and I am ready for an hour of cathartic crying. #ThePiano.’
The Piano continues on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4.
