YORK viewers will finally get to see the city’s starring role in Channel 4 hit show The Piano when the fourth series begins later this month.

The popular programme, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, rolled into York Railway Station in March, attracting crowds of curious commuters, music lovers and fans eager to catch a glimpse of the television star.

A production crew transformed part of the station into an impromptu concert venue, positioning the show’s trademark black piano outside WHSmith while amateur pianists took turns performing for passing travellers.

Claudia Winkleman filming at York Railway Station for series 4 of The Piano. Photo Nadia Jefferson-Brown

The Piano has become one of Channel 4’s most heart-warming success stories since launching in 2023. The series seeks out talented amateur pianists performing on public pianos at railway stations around the country, with contestants later given the chance to perform at a prestigious finale concert.

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During filming in York, spectators packed around the performance area hoping to spot Claudia, best known for presenting The Traitors, and musician Mika, who returns as a mentor for the new series. York is one of several stations featured in series four, alongside locations including London Bridge and Birmingham.

Among those who turned out to watch was York resident Rachel Shearer, who brought along her two-year-old golden retriever, Suki, after hearing filming was taking place.

Claudia Winkleman at York Railway Station for the filming of series 4 of Channel 4’s The Piano. Photo: Nadia Jefferson-Brown

Rachel told The Press at the time: “I love The Piano. I am a real fan. I was travelling back from London, from the Royal Albert Hall, late last night and got in at 12.15am. I could see the piano all covered up, and the filming equipment. The security guard told me it was for The Piano.

“I happened to have the day off work so I got here to see Claudia arrive and the new judge which was great. I popped home for a bit and brought the dog out because she needed a walk. I know Claudia likes dogs so we came back and have had a really lovely afternoon listening to the music.

“It is lovely to hear people play their own compositions; everyone has their own story which is meaningful to them.”

Claudia Winkleman at York Railway Station for the filming of series 4 of Channel 4’s The Piano. Photo: Nadia Jefferson-Brown

During her time filming in York, Claudia proved a hit with the crowd, regularly chatting to onlookers between takes and making a beeline for babies and dogs gathered around the station.

Contestants filming in York included Harri Kelly, a 21-year-old pianist from Manchester who attended with his parents, Angela and Heath.

LNER’s Joshua Chapman, who helped manage the filming operation at the station, said York was an ideal stop on the programme’s latest nationwide search for talent.

Speaking during the visit, he said: “This is something very different for the station; something we don’t see every day.

“It is a nice surprise for customers passing through and the general public who have heard that they are filming. It is nice to have the station filled with music.”

The fourth series follows last year’s competition, which was won by Diana Newall, whose moving original composition in memory of her late husband captured viewers’ hearts.

Now York audiences can discover which local performances impressed the experts when The Piano returns to Channel 4 on Sunday, July 12, at 9pm.