INTERVIEW
that, we signed contracts and began
the process. The BBC retains full
control over everything filmed. We
wouldn’t even be allowed to see the
finished programme.
We spent 15 days filming; Alex
Polizzi came on six of them.
We were told on all days that
we couldn’t arrange or conduct
funerals. We couldn’t do anything
at all except hang around, waiting
for instructions. We were never
warned in advance what was about
to happen; they wanted our reaction
and comments to be natural. I
resolved never to get rattled, to
remain calm at all times, but often
we felt like helpless victims.
Once started, the process cannot
easily be stopped. Alex was always
charming when the cameras were
off. Her feisty on-screen persona
seemed like an act, we actually got
on very well, flirting outrageously
darling. She swore like a trooper
and was very funny. I suspect her
team do all the real work, Alex is
a presenter, with her own strong
ideas, of course.
The re-brand was excellent, the
designers, GBH estimated their
work at £15,000-£20,000, if we had
paid for it. Our funeral homes are
now smarter, more comfortable and
welcoming. The BBC paid for most
of this, although we helped with the
actual painting. Our TV volunteer
scheme is a work in progress, thanks
to insurance, police CRB checking
and health and safety issues. Grrr!
I laughed a lot when I sat down to
watch the finished show, relieved!
We were fairly happy with the
outcome; but suspect some of
the editing may have been a little
creative. On a couple of occasions I
appeared lost for words, I think this
highly unlikely.
After the broadcast, 10,000 people
viewed our website; hundreds of
messages, almost all positive were
received. Oliver was forced back
from a lunch trip to the High
Street; so many people recognised
him, wanting to offer opinion or
congratulations. At the funerals
we conducted later that week,
mourners recognised us – they
seemed excited that they had ‘TV’
undertakers!
The final outcome, our business
profile has definitely been raised
enormously, people are talking
about us. That has to be good for
any business.
www.visitislandlife.com
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