I can't read music and I've never had a lesson

Placed into foster care aged seven and homeless by 20, Brad Kella's life changed overnight after winning Channel 4's The Piano. Ahead of his debut album and tour with Gary Barlow, the self-taught pianist reveals how he's hitting the right notes... in music and life

- By Margaret Hussey

NOT LONG after his first daughter Phoebe was born, pianist Brad Kella was homeless and busking to make ends meet. Fast forward five years and he's the winner of Channel 4's hit show The Piano, is going on tour with Gary Barlow and in June, releases his debut album.

It's been a whirlwind few months for the very unassuming 24-year-old. And it's all the more extraordinary because the virtuoso is entirely self-taught and cannot read music.

Taken into care at seven years old, along with his twin brother Aron, it was his foster parents Eve and Frank Kilmartin who bought him his first keyboard. Brad says he owes everything to these "living angels", who provided a sanctuary and let him heal through music.

"I definitely got blessed being put with them," says Brad, from his home in Liverpool.

He wowed The Piano's judges when he auditioned at the city's Lime Street station last year, playing his own composition. Leading classical pianist Lang Lang said Brad's music came from love, while pop star Mika said his unique style and emotional way of playing showed he did not take anything for granted.

And the hugely likeable Brad clearly doesn't. He says his mind has been blown by the opportunities coming his way and that he is as enthusiastic about playing on John Lennon's piano, more to follow, as meeting football players at Anfield.

Neither does he want his past to determine him, or for people to feel sorry for him.

"I do remember my childhood before going to Eve and Frank, but I can't dwell on what happened to me prior to foster care. I'm so focused on what is going on in the future," he says. "I want to show that there is hope. You could have the worst past ever and you can't change that. But you can manifest a future. You have to leave the bad stuff behind to focus on the good."