Viewers of The Piano found themselves overcome with emotion during the show’s grand finale, when 87-year-old contestant Diana took the stage.

Channel 4’s Sunday night hit, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, Mika and Grammy winner Jon Batiste, follows a group of amateur pianists, invited to perform at train stations across the UK.

Seven weeks of buildup preceded the final instalment of season three, which entailed the most challenging task yet: performing live to a sold-out concert hall.

As the emotive night unfolded for the pianists, it was Diana, an 87-year-old widow from Newcastle, who captured the hearts of the audience and took home the winning glory.

‘The music I’d like to share with you tonight is my own composition,’ Diana explained, as she addressed the auditorium. ‘This piece was born out of loss and grief.’

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Viewers of The Piano found themselves overcome with emotion during the show’s grand finale, when 87-year-old contestant Diana (pictured) took the stage

Channel 4 ‘s Sunday night hit, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, Mika (right) and Grammy winner Jon Batiste (left) follows a group of amateur pianists, invited to perform at train stations across the UK

As the emotive night unfolded for the pianists, it was Diana, an 87-year-old widow from Newcastle that captured the hearts of the audience and took home the winning glory

The original composition, enтιтled Dreams, was written in a period of transition and loss for Diana, in homage to her late husband, Phil.

It was ‘love at first sight’ for the couple, who met whilst serving in the RAF together, and were married for 63 years. Now, that love is immortalised in music.

‘Dreams have also taken on another meaning, because even from a young age I dreamt of being a concert pianist,’ Diana continued.

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‘It took all of my 87 years to finally realise that dream. So my message is to never give up on your dreams.’

Concert attendees at The Glᴀsshouse, Gateshead and viewers at home were unified in emotion as Diana’s fingers graced the keys, and she began to play her melodic tribute to her husband.

Fans spared no minute taking to social media to share their affections:

‘Absolutely wonderful TV. My heart is full – I just wish the concert recording could be accessed or released so we can hear it again and again’

‘Sobbing our hearts out at #Diana playing #Dreams in memory of her husband of 63 years on #ThePiano. You can feel the love and the loss. Beautiful.’  

‘Oh my. Diana’s own piece is just so beautiful in its simplicity. I’ve got to learn it.’

The original composition, enтιтled Dreams, was written in a period of transition and loss for Diana, in homage to her late husband, Phil

Concert attendees at The Glᴀsshouse, Gateshead and viewers at home were unified in emotion as Diana’s fingers graced the keys, and she began to play her melodic tribute to her husband

As the concert came to a close, it was time for Jon and Mika to decide who was to be awarded ‘performance of the night.’

It was Diana’s sentimental, heartwarming rendition that received the honour, leaving the 87-year-old lost for words.

‘Thank you all so much for your wonderful reception of my music,’ she said, ‘Just unbelievable.’

Diana trailed off, choked up, but the audience continued to erupt with rapturous applause.

‘Absolutely incredible and so well deserved’ penned one fan on X, with another adding, ‘Who else could it have been?’

The Piano is now available to stream on channel4.com