'I had a grand time' - Yorkshire oldest pub landlord, 97, set to appear on new series of The Piano
For Frank Collins, his love of music did not always run smooth. Now 97, he recalled how he first began to play piano at the age of four and loathed having to practice instead of playing out with his friends.
He continued playing until 14 when school lessons took priority but he later developed a renewed love for the keyboard, as television viewers will soon in a new series starting tomorrow.
Frank, who recently celebrated his 97th birthday and is believed to be oldest pub landlord in the country, said he enjoyed his stint on the Channel 4 music competition series.
He said: “I had a grand time. Claudia was lovely. She asked where my pub was so I hope she might call in sometime. She was charming.
“I enjoy playing the piano, I get up on a morning and play a song or two and before I know what’s happened I’ve been there an hour.”
He plays at his pub the Dog & Partridge at Sowood near Outlane nestled between Huddersfield and Halifax and says he is looking forward to the series being on television.
“They filmed me at York railway station and then came to see me at the pub,” he said. “I’m not sure when they will broadcast my bit but I’m looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Claudia and singer Mika have said it is a “privilege” to be part of The Piano as the duo return for a fourth series.
The presenting pair front the Channel 4 music competition series, along with award-winning composer, Jon Batiste, as amateur pianists perform on public pianos in major UK train stations.
Winkleman, 54, said: “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.
“We learn about their lives, meet their friends and family and we learn about why playing the piano is important to them. For all of us involved it’s an honour.”
Mika, 42, real name Michael Holbrook Penniman, said he is “very proud” to be part of the show and praised it for its positivity and ability to celebrate UK culture.”
The Grace Kelly singer said the programme has helped him listen differently and reconnect with music by focusing less on “perfection” and more on “expression”.
The duo will be joined by a team of mentors who will help support the home-grown pianists including English jazz-pop singer-songwriter and pianist, Jamie Cullum, who will join Winkleman and Mika at London Liverpool Street station while American pianist, Tiffany Poon, will meet the duo at Birmingham New Street Station.
Also joining the series as a mentor is Hiromi, Japanese jazz composer and pianist who will step in at York Station. Series four will air on Channel 4 from Sunday (Jul 12).