19
Dec
Harrogate couple to appear on Christmas Day TV
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A Harrogate couple are to appear on Channel 4’s The Piano at Christmas.
The Piano sees gifted amateur pianists play on a street piano in a different railway station each week. It is hosted by Claudia Winkleman and judged by pop star Mika and pianist Lang Lang.
For the Christmas special, fan favourites were invited back to perform in a festive edition of the show.
They included 80-year-old Duncan and his wife Fran, who captured the hearts of viewers with their incredible love story this year.
Duncan secured a spot in the final by playing A Theme for Fran, a romantic song he wrote 30 years ago for his wife.
Duncan has had Alzheimer's disease for six years, but was only diagnosed with it two years ago, and now uses his musical talent as a form of medicine.
He and Fran first met in 1964 and have been married for 42 years. This time the couple will appear together playing a song they wrote 40 years ago.
Fran sings while Duncan plays the piano at St Peter’s Church in Harrogate and Christ Church and now, they will appear on national television in duet.
Duncan and Fran on The Piano at Christmas 2024. Image: Channel 4
Duncan was invited to perform in the Christmas special in September and when Fran took the call they asked if he could play another song he’d written.
She then sent a recording of Duncan playing while she sang, and the producers decided they should perform the duet.
She told the Stray Ferret:
It is a lot of pressure to remember the words correctly, but it is nice to breathe a bit of life into something we have created, it’s a really nice feeling.
It is an amazing, special opportunity to be handed because The Piano has so much within it that is so inspirational to everyone.
Duncan said:
The thought of having 10 million people listening to us is quite interesting.
They added that more local concerts are “in the pipeline” for 2025.
Lang Lang, Claudia Winkleman and Mika (The host and judges) on The Piano at Christmas 2024. Image: Channel 4
The episode was filmed at London's Battersea Power Station in November and features some of the stars of series two, who will perform seasonal favourites including Walking in the Air and O Holy Night.
To watch Fran and Duncan on The Piano at Christmas, tune in to Channel 4 on Christmas Day at 5.10pm.
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