Channel 4 The Piano viewers 'in tears' as 87-year-old widow shares heartwarming message

The Piano viewers couldn't contain their emotions as an 87-year-old widow revealed that she was fulfilling her life-long dream by finally performing for a huge crowd.

During tonight's (May 25) episode of the Channel 4 hit show, the final has finally come as Claudia Winkleman returned to host alongside singer Mika and musician Jon Batiste.

Fans who tuned in saw seven amateurs faced their toughest task yet, playing before the audience at a sold-out auditorium.

Among the contestants was Diana, who moved everyone to tears just moments before her performance. Taking to the stage, she started off by saying: "The music I'd like to share with you tonight is my own composition, dreams."

She continued: "This peace was born out of loss and grief. Dreams have also taken on another meaning because even from a young age I dreamt of being a pianist and it has taken all of my 87 years to finally realise that dream."

In a heartwarming moment, she added: "So my message is to never give up on your dreams." There wasn't a dry eye in the room as she began to play her Original Composition and viewers watching at home wasted no time sharing their reactions to the emotional moment.

One viewer wrote on X, formally known as Twitter: "This is gonna be emotional. Got my Kleenex at the ready. #ThePiano." Another said: "Why does #ThePiano make me cry?"

A third said: "The programme has barely started and I'm already crying. I'm rooting for you all #ThePiano."

Another commented: "So moved by Diana's beautiful performance, so many tears #ThePiano Jesus. That piece of music was so simple but so hitting, 87 years old. #thepiano."

One wrote: "#ThePiano 87 years old and plays the piano majestically." Meanwhile another added: "Not a dry eye in the house."

In the end, Diana was crowned winner of the competition. Standing on stage next to her fellow contestants Diana was given a huge round of applause from everyone.

Overcome with emotion, she admitted: "I really don't know what to say because everyone who played tonight is worthy. I have to thank Mika and Jon for everything. Thank you all so much for your wonderful reception to my music, it's just unbelievable."

Fighting back tears, she struggled to finish her sentence as she said: "I find it very hard to.. I just can't believe it."

You can catch up on The Piano on Channel 4