Brad Kella's 'special' update as crowds gather in city centre

The Piano star Brad Kella drew in a large crowd as he performed live at Liverpool ONE today. The 23-year-old, who is originally from Bootle, has shot to stardom since he won season two of the hit Channel 4 show.

Brad was raised in the care system and his inspiring story has captured the hearts of the nation. Brad stopped shoppers in their tracks at Liverpool ONE on Saturday afternoon as he took to the piano to perform.

Brad previously went viral for playing during Liverpool ONE's piano festival which he says was a catalyst for his appearance on Channel 4's The Piano. Discussing his return to the area, Brad said: "To be back in the place where I originally performed is amazing and the fact it’s at Christmas makes it extra special.

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“I wouldn’t be where I am today if the pianos at Liverpool ONE weren’t there so, for that, I am forever grateful. I have loved performing here in my home city among local people today – I hope my story shows young kids that if you have a dream, you have to believe in it and not give up because I am proof that dreams do come true."

Brad's performance was one of many pop-up events taking place as part of Liverpool ONE's Christmas shopping weekend. Snow will fall over the complex across the weekend with live performances on Saturday and Sunday from Shakespeare North's Alice in Wonderland cast, elf flash mobs, karaoke with Christmas crackers and a string quartet.

Brad recently spoke to the ECHO inside the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street, where he will perform on Friday, November 29. He admitted there is a mixture of emotions ahead of the big occasion.

He said: “I'm a little bit nervous because it's my first show, but I think the fact that it's my home city adds a bit of ease to the whole situation and a lot more comfort. I'm just excited to show people what new music I've been working on, telling people more about my story and trying to engage the audience as much as possible.”

Brad's career continues to go from strength-to-strength as he also announced earlier this month that he is part of the John Lewis Christmas advert. He said: "For me it’s an absolute honour to be a part of such an amazing and magical project.

"This will really get people excited about choosing gifts for loved ones and Christmas starts in most households when the John Lewis Christmas advert comes on so it's great to be part of the build up for it. When I was a young aspiring composer, I dreamt and manifested that hopefully one day I would be composing music for John Lewis and to say it has come true is a dream for me."