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TV, radio, film, Arts

The Fabulous Funeral Parlour

(33 Posts)
shysal Thu 05-Feb-26 15:22:51

Did anyone else watch this programme? It made me glad that I have already pre-paid for a pure cremation! I was appalled at what I considered to be a tacky and probably expensive set-up. The lady owner had enormous trout-pout lips which put me off for a start. I would be interested to know the opinions of others who watched. Would you want the type of send-off shown? I am sure it gave great comfort to the families shown.

Kate1949 Thu 05-Feb-26 17:22:40

I accidentally switched over to it and saw it for about five minutes. I thought it was horrible.

Shelflife Thu 05-Feb-26 20:41:19

I saw a trailer about this programme - that was quite enough !

Daddima Fri 06-Feb-26 05:04:37

I saw a clip on TikTok, and thought it was awful ( not least because of the trout pout!)
I couldn’t help thinking that such enforced jollity on the part of the potential deceased is just a form of denial.

HowVeryDareYou2 Fri 06-Feb-26 11:05:18

I saw about 5 minutes of it. The woman with plumped-up lips and false nails, talking to the deceased as though they were merely asleep (as she said so) put me off watching any more.

Chocolatenoodle8 Fri 06-Feb-26 14:03:14

I watched the whole programme. The positives for me were how much Hayley cares for the deceased and her team. I loved the favourite phrases mementoes

petra Fri 06-Feb-26 14:08:34

Chocolatenoodle8

I watched the whole programme. The positives for me were how much Hayley cares for the deceased and her team. I loved the favourite phrases mementoes

Totally agree. So far we are the only 2 members who dont judge a book by its cover. Shame on you who do.
If I were to have a funeral I know that she would dearly care for my body.

Frogoet Fri 06-Feb-26 14:12:08

Husband was recently cremated and although there were things about it that were twee, overall the undertakers were kind, sensitive and although a lot of money I had the cheapest option.
They were already holding his body on behalf of the Coroner.
I did look briefly at Pure reviews but didn’t like the idea of bodies hanging about at regional morgues.im even thinking of specifying I don’t want this in my will because I don’t fancy being on ice in a some place no one knows me. Ugh!

Frogoet Fri 06-Feb-26 14:14:06

I

SaraC Fri 06-Feb-26 14:15:16

I watched the whole thing and thought it was a really well done programme. Yes, a bit OTT for my taste in funerals, but as a culture we are hopelessly ‘death denying’ - this was a step towards addressing that and moving towards more death literacy and openness around end of life. Some lovely touches of humour although Hayley’s care for the dying, the dead and the families (as well as her openness about her own continuing grief over her Mum’s death) seemed authentic and heartfelt. Well done Channel 4!

ninamoore Fri 06-Feb-26 14:38:29

I enjoyed it overall thought the care given in the Parlour was warm and friendly. The lady talking to the cadavers did a great job. She showed that she cared deeply that the deceased were being looked after right to the end. The lips is just a fashion thing now you have to look past a person’s appearance and judge them by their actions. A fabulous programme: enlightening.

AuntieE Fri 06-Feb-26 15:02:55

As I do not live in the UK or watch much television, I cannot judge the programme mentioned. However, I think it is a very good thing that there now are different options regarding funerals, and that many people these days decide what they want and make sure that their relatives and a firm of undertakers know what they want.

It seems obvious to me, that there cannot just be one way of arranging funerals, as we are all different, as are those who will be left to mourn us.

As it is a personal and an emotional issue, it is perhaps well to remember the proverb that says "one man's meat is another man's poison."

Nanny123 Fri 06-Feb-26 15:23:22

It was very tacky but this suited some like the woman in the hospice

I didn’t think the woman with the lips was very professional to be honest and if I was to walk in and see her sitting there I think I’d walk back out again

But if someone wants something “different” I suppose they are the ones to go to - but not my cup of tea

Greciangirl Fri 06-Feb-26 15:39:14

They certainly won’t be organising my funeral.
Tacky isn’t the word.

I’ve already decided that I want direct cremation and have informed my family.

You can then be sure of no tacky funerals and no huge expense.

sunfield91 Fri 06-Feb-26 15:49:19

I was sad to see some of the criticism of this program, no this type of funeral is not for everyone, I didn’t see anyone who didn’t seem sincere from the funeral directors to the grieving families and I thought the families were very brave agreeing to do this documentary
The saying “ walk a mile in their shoes” is apt

Kloppqueen Fri 06-Feb-26 16:31:03

My daughter died very recently from a very rare cancer and her funeral was just a couple of weeks ago. Her funeral was conducted by this very funeral parlour.

Well I can tell you they were fabulous, caring, and I couldn't have asked for any more from them. Hayley is just wonderful. The way she looked after my 6 year old granddaughter was priceless. In fact the whole team.

My daughter was treated with such care and respect.

They were not expensive either for those jumping to conclusions.

My daughter's fiancé chose them because the parlour was run by two women and he knew my daughter would just love that.

Some of the comments here are so hurtful. In fact they have made me cry because they are just so wrong.

Kloppqueen Fri 06-Feb-26 16:31:50

Oh and my daughter was completely different from the lady from the hospice. She was a teacher and a Senco. Stop judging.

Kloppqueen Fri 06-Feb-26 16:34:32

sunfield91

I was sad to see some of the criticism of this program, no this type of funeral is not for everyone, I didn’t see anyone who didn’t seem sincere from the funeral directors to the grieving families and I thought the families were very brave agreeing to do this documentary
The saying “ walk a mile in their shoes” is apt

Well I did walk in their shoes, so to speak and I can assure you, and everyone here, that Hayley and her team are sincere and so caring. So thank you for your kind words.

Kloppqueen Fri 06-Feb-26 16:38:40

Just to add, the thought that my daughter spent around 3 weeks with Hayley and her team and was cared for in the way she was gives me so much comfort,

bigmama1960 Fri 06-Feb-26 16:57:02

I watched it and didn't like her lips, do many seem to be like this now though. I must admit I think I would talk to the deceased people too.

Calendargirl Fri 06-Feb-26 17:48:35

Sending you flowers Kloppqueen.

petalpete Fri 06-Feb-26 18:27:52

Heartfelt sympathies to you Koppqueen nobody wants to bury their children we only hope its always the other way round. Its heartning they gave some comfort and took the stress away from you at this awful time. I suppose each to their own and some folk are very traditional and thats just the way they are I don't think any spiteful intentions are meant. You found their method suited you and gave a warmness and level of respect required to deal with this stressful situation. Sincere condolences to you.

arum Fri 06-Feb-26 19:47:38

Here in Germany, in the state where I live, our ashes may be strewn in a relative's garden, provided the garden is their own property. We have not yet drawn up a funeral plan, but our daughter has agreed on the ashes in the garden bit. For all I care, sorry if some are offended by this, my body could be tossed on the compost heap or in the weekly rubbish removal.

Lomo123 Fri 06-Feb-26 20:18:10

Condolences Kloppqueen. It must have a comfort knowing your daughter was being well cared for especially if she would have loved it being ladies (regardless of lips etc)💐

EllieAnne Fri 06-Feb-26 20:38:51

I’ve just watched it and had mixed feelings about it. The lips did put me off a bit. Why do people think they look attractive?
But they were giving people a very personal service and the funerals they wanted.
I think it’s good to have options.