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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Michael Hogan

‘Police stop me because I look like a stereotypical lad’: The Piano’s unlikely new virtuoso star

Brad Kella plays at Liverpool Lime Street in The Piano.
Brad Kella plays at Liverpool Lime Street in The Piano. Photograph: Nic Serpell-Rand/Love Productions

Not many acclaimed pianists get stopped by the police minutes before a televised performance but it happened to Brad Kella. On his way to audition for TV talent show The Piano at Liverpool Lime Street station, the self-proclaimed “little scally” was approached by an officer.

“I was stood by the station entrance, looking really nervous,” Kella says. “This policeman came over and asked what I was up to. I think he was expecting me to pull something out of my pocket. I said I was about to play piano for Claudia Winkleman. His face completely changed.”

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