An octogenarian who has been living with dementia for six years became the winner of the opening episode of Channel 4’s second series of The Piano, which was aired on Sunday 28 April 2024.

Duncan produced a tear-jerking performance of an original composition, written as a thank you to his wife, on the packed concourse of Manchester Piccadilly station. He will now go through to perform at a special concert at the end of the series.

Presenter Claudia Winkleman response to Duncan’s performance was to go straight up to the judges – world-renowned pianist Lang Lang and pop musician Mika – who were tucked away in a room overlooking the concourse: “He’s going to the concert, it’s not up for debate. Duncan and Fran need it. And it is also important to have somebody like that, and the fact that he can speak through the piano, and that is what is keeping the disease at bay.”

Mika replied: “What you are saying is this: we are here to show the power – no matter how old you are or your health–  the power that that instrument can have. It is a superpower.”

Such a positive reaction, attitude and understanding is so heart-warming.

The series is aired on Sunday nights at 9pm. To view the first episode, please visit https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-piano