0:00:02 > 0:00:06Rachael Ryan might look like any other teenager,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08but she's about to turn 16
0:00:08 > 0:00:12and do something none of her classmates would ever consider.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21She's going to join the family business and become...
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Britain's youngest undertaker.
0:00:26 > 0:00:32Rachael will put be on a three-month trial by her new boss - her dad.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35I will be giving her objectives over the first two months
0:00:35 > 0:00:37to see if she's capable of doing them objectives.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41She's going have to learn to do what she's told...
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- See, this is where you're not listening!- I am!
0:00:44 > 0:00:46..she'll have to get used to dealing with the deceased...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Oh, God.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52She says she can see stars, she felt very faint,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I don't know why she felt faint.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57..and at the end, she'll be assessed on whether she's really got
0:00:57 > 0:00:59what it takes to join the funeral trade.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00I think I am ready.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04She thinks she can do this and do that,
0:01:04 > 0:01:06but she's only got to make one mistake
0:01:06 > 0:01:08and this business could finish,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11and I am not putting myself in that position.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19# I've been roamin' around
0:01:19 > 0:01:24# Always lookin' down at all I see... #
0:01:24 > 0:01:29The last music lesson of the year at St Joseph's School in Newport.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Many of the class will be leaving school for good,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34trying to make it in the outside world.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37# ..Somebody, yeah... #
0:01:37 > 0:01:41I can't believe school's nearly over.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44It seems like just yesterday I came into year 7.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Rachael is one of the lucky ones -
0:01:47 > 0:01:50she's already got a job to go to,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53but it's not a job that many of Rachael's friends
0:01:53 > 0:01:55have considered doing themselves.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57I've told her I find it freaky,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01but I said I'll be behind her whatever she chooses, I don't mind.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- Could you be an undertaker?- No, no.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- Why?- because I don't like blood and I don't like dead bodies.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12I'm scared in case if I go to put their clothes on or something,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15their arm will move and grab me, that's why I'm scared.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17I think Rachael would just laugh if that happened.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19She'd find it hysterical.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21A lot of people do think it's freaky,
0:02:21 > 0:02:26because the whole you-see-dead-people thing freaks people out,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30but I've been brought up with it and my friends understand that,
0:02:30 > 0:02:35that the way you're brought up is the way you're always going to live.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46The company that Rachael will be joining is the family firm.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51Her dad Mike owns one of the most successful funeral businesses in Newport.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Always wanted to be a funeral director. I can't tell you
0:02:55 > 0:02:57the reason why I wanted to be.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00It was just me, I wanted to be a funeral director.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04He built it from scratch 14 years ago
0:03:04 > 0:03:10and now has a thriving operation, handling up to 150 funerals a year.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12I simply think I'm the best.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15My business is everything.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20I've been on board now 14 years, I've worked hard,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23I've built it with respect and dignity, and it's everything.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Mike used to run the business with his son Thomas,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31but when he left, Mike's eldest daughter Louise
0:03:31 > 0:03:34gave up her job in banking to come on board.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Louise is excellent at what she does, there's no question about that,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41and if I do say so myself, she's learnt everything from me.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46I definitely enjoy it more than banking. Definitely.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50There's always something new that you're learning,
0:03:50 > 0:03:55whether it's to do with the embalming process, the doctors, the type of religion...
0:03:55 > 0:03:59So many different things you come across. It's really interesting.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Mike is 60 years old and, with his retirement looming,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09he wants his youngest daughter to become a funeral director too.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I've built this business for my children, nobody else.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16At the end of the day, I know that when my life comes to an end,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18who am I going to hand it over to?
0:04:18 > 0:04:22I'd like to think that the next generation will take that on board,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26and make people proud of the Ryan name throughout Newport.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Working for her dad, Rachael will need to pull her weight
0:04:30 > 0:04:34if she's going to pass her three-month probation period.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Every obligation she's put in front of her as a challenge,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41she will achieve, I've got no doubts in my mind.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44But if it's not to be, it's not to be,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46and I will make that decision to move her sidewards.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- It'll be a tough decision? - Very tough decision,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52but it's got to be made for the benefit of the company.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03The Ryan's funeral home is situated on the outskirts of Newport.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07Rachael's in the office and ready to start work.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12Mike's plan is to teach Rachael every aspect of his business.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Now, what you need to do is put the size on them, 5-10-20,
0:05:16 > 0:05:185-6-20...
0:05:18 > 0:05:23The first task for Rachael this morning is to do a stock check of the coffins.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26That's the oak, that's the mahogany,
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- and that means the raised top.- OK. What about all them?
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- You count all them as well, they're oak. - But what...wh... OK.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- See, this is where you're not listening!- I am listening!
0:05:36 > 0:05:38One, two, three, four, five, six...
0:05:38 > 0:05:44Rachael has to count and mark down the different types and sizes of coffin.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I'm getting bloody confused!
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- Do you understand it now, love? - Yeah, but what are they again?
0:05:50 > 0:05:53That's an oak, that's a 5-10-20, so what you do now,
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- right, oak, 5-10... - I get it, I get it.- Right.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Older sister Louise is on hand to watch over Rachael.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Right, we've got 5-6-20s - one, two, three, four, five, six.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11You've got one.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13They're all the one I counted.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15The sums don't add up.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Chuck that in the bin, I believe Don and Steve.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Oh, thanks!
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- Where's Rachael's list? - In the bin.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- In the bin?- Yeah.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- If there wasn't so many numbers involved, I wouldn't mind! - Rach, it's not difficult.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- I got them right, and there was a few that was wrong... - A few that was wrong?!
0:06:33 > 0:06:35A few is an understatement!
0:06:35 > 0:06:38It's a rocky start for Rachael.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41I can put my hand to anything in here,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43but it's taken me 14 years to do it.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46She's got to learn a lot quicker.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50I won't be here in 14 years' time, so she's got to be able to do what I'm doing now,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53but she's got to learn it a bit quicker.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57You'll still be going in 14 years, Mike.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58Knowing me, I'll be dead and gone.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05PHONE RINGS
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Mike Ryan, can I help you?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10'When someone dies, the relatives will contact Mike,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13'who arranges for the body to be collected.'
0:07:16 > 0:07:19One, two, three.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25'He's got three other regular staff -
0:07:25 > 0:07:26'John the driver...'
0:07:26 > 0:07:29It doesn't bother you, working with dead bodies?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Somebody's got to do it, haven't they?
0:07:32 > 0:07:34In the beginning, I was a bit apprehensive,
0:07:34 > 0:07:39but now I've done so many...it's just give them the dignity you can and that's the end of it.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43'There's also Don, who collects the deceased,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47'and prepares the coffins and hearses, alongside Steve.'
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- Do you like working here? - Yeah, love it.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Why's that?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Well, I just like working.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58I know that I'm helping somebody in their bereavement,
0:07:58 > 0:07:59in a sort of way.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02I've been wanting to actually go into the funeral service
0:08:02 > 0:08:04since I was about seven years old.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Since I learnt about the Egyptians in school.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- Seven years old?- Yeah.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- This was your ambition? - Yes, it was, yes.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Not many seven-year-olds want to work with the deceased, do they?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19No, there's not, no. There's some people - "Urgh!"
0:08:21 > 0:08:24'There's funeral arranged for tomorrow
0:08:24 > 0:08:28'and the grieving family are coming to view their father one last time.'
0:08:28 > 0:08:33We're actually bringing the deceased into the restroom for viewing
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and laying him in the chapel of rest.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38This is for viewing purposes.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- Go down an inch, Steve, you're all right.- Sure?- Yeah. Ready?
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- One, two, three...- You OK there?
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Yeah, perfect. All right, Steve.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01The Baghurst family arrive to see their father, Paul.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Viewing a loved one is a distressing time for any family.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Better come in, Dad's at peace.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14A lot of people can handle this, a lot of people can't.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Some people like to come to pay their respects.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Others can pay their respects in their own way at home.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21All I can say is, he's at peace.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- Looks good, though, doesn't he? - Yeah.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28He looks peaceful, out of pain...
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Very sad.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37I can't...
0:09:37 > 0:09:39WOMAN SOBS
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Mike's job as the funeral director is to remain professional
0:09:49 > 0:09:52and not get emotionally involved.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54It doesn't affect me.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Doesn't affect me whatsoever.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01I've got a service to carry out and try and raise their spirits,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03and that's the way I try to do it.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06You learn to switch off. It's, um...
0:10:06 > 0:10:10You learn to put it to one side, really.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14It will be a lot for Rachael to take on board.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25Keep coming!
0:10:25 > 0:10:27'It's the day of the funeral,
0:10:27 > 0:10:31'and there are jobs to be done before everyone can leave.'
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Whose shoes are they, Steve?- Mike's.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38He's too busy, so I always make sure they're done for him.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Mike's handed Rachael the task of putting the flowers in the hearse,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46but he has a particular way of doing it.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Let me explain to you what to do...
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Dad, can't I just..
0:10:50 > 0:10:53No, let me explain how I want them set out, Rachael.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55I know what to do.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59I want the two posies there.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02'He has a certain way of everything being done
0:11:02 > 0:11:07'and I have a certain way, but because it's his business, I've got to do what he tells me to do,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- 'but I hate being told what to do.' - Then I'll leave the rest you.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13'Rachael and my dad are ridiculously similar.'
0:11:13 > 0:11:16They are both very moody people.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22- The big one first. - Do the big one first, darling. - That way?- Yeah.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25And then you can do them in any order.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30No, the next order... Sorry. ..is the two little 'uns, is the grandchildren.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- You said any order! - No, my fault, my fault.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37I'll leave the rest to you, I've got to go and do some work.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Uh, this is not my thing.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Why's it not your thing? - I've got to lean over.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56There we go.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58All right, let's have a look.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Let's have a look. Let me have a look at it for you.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Very good.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08Right, cards pointing out... I'm not going to touch anything, that's perfect.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11No problem at all, we're chuffed to beans.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14When you close down, pull it by that handle.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Dad, I know how to close a boot. It's not really that hard!
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Be on your own one day, got to learn somehow.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- To close a boot(?) - That's it, perfect.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29I don't like being told what to do when and where to go.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30It annoys me so much.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39It's time to leave for the funeral.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40Shit!
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Bloody morning.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47What's wrong, Mike?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Me!- Why?
0:12:49 > 0:12:53I've come with a shirt without cufflinks, simple as that.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55You've come out without cufflinks?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58I've come out with a shirt without cufflinks holes in.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Is that bad?
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Well, I just like wearing cufflinks on a funeral, simple as that.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05Why is he so stressed?
0:13:05 > 0:13:09He just likes everything to be done to perfection.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13He likes it done his way, and it's just stressful for him for some reason.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I dunno, he's always been the same.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20He's got high blood pressure, takes loads of tablets.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- You need to calm down, Mike. - I can't calm down, this is me, you've got to understand that!
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I'd like to go put my trousers on without you filming it.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47DOGS WHIMPER Get! Get! Get in there!
0:13:51 > 0:13:53HE SIGHS Bloody hell!
0:13:53 > 0:14:00# The Lord's my shepherd
0:14:00 > 0:14:03# I'll not want
0:14:03 > 0:14:10# He makes down to lie... #
0:14:10 > 0:14:15At first, Rachael's job at the funerals is to hand out
0:14:15 > 0:14:18attendance cards so the families have a record of who's come.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26It's a far cry from taking charge of the funeral
0:14:26 > 0:14:29and leading the hearse, as her dad does.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39The funeral director has the most important job at any funeral -
0:14:39 > 0:14:41dealing sensitively with the bereaved.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44It's a skill Mike's mastered over the years
0:14:44 > 0:14:47and one he'll need to pass on to Rachael
0:14:47 > 0:14:49if she's to succeed.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53You've got to be conscientious. You've got to know what you're saying,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55when you're saying and at the right time.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Sometime's it's hard, depending on how upset they are,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11because some people are crying non-stop, constantly,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14which, obviously, you've got to be prepared for it.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18My dad normally deals with it. Trying to calm them down...
0:15:18 > 0:15:21and give them the reassurance that they need.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24But...I need to learn that.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44How did Rachael do today?
0:15:44 > 0:15:48She did very well. Erm...you know, she learnt...
0:15:48 > 0:15:52She was sorting out the, erm, seating cards in church
0:15:52 > 0:15:56and now, straight after that, she puts them in numerical order.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58No problems. She's done very well.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12The recession has hit Newport hard,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14but to Mike, it's still home.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17I love Newport.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21An old saying - "you can take the boy out of Newport,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23"you can't take Newport out of the boy".
0:16:23 > 0:16:27I've been bought up here. I've lived here for 50...
0:16:27 > 0:16:30HE LAUGHS ..60 years, I am 60 now.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32And I love it.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It's not for me to move away. An old saying -
0:16:35 > 0:16:37"there's no place like home".
0:16:37 > 0:16:40And "home is where the heart is", and my heart is in Newport.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47Mike's pulling out all the stops to keep his business thriving.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52He's rung the local paper and told them about Rachael being the youngest undertaker in Britain.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Twist your bum to the car. Twist your bum.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58The paper sent down a photographer.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Nice. Very nice.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05I think I was a bit too posey on, um, some of the photographs
0:17:05 > 0:17:07because when I see a camera I just think "pose".
0:17:07 > 0:17:11You know, I think I watch a bit too much America's Next Top Model!
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Rachael's training continues. Every few weeks,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Mike orders in a batch of coffins
0:17:22 > 0:17:26and these need to be prepared before the deceased can be placed in them.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31The first thing to do is line the coffin.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36What I want you to do now, right, is start from scratch. Open that up.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39This is the important job... I can do it!
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Right, all it is now, you've got two pieces of this...
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Louise thinks the best way for her sister to learn
0:17:51 > 0:17:53is to do it herself.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Do you want to place the bottom in the bottom?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Have a guess how it goes.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02But Mike finds it difficult to let go.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Place it in how you think it should go, and Dad can check it over.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- No, she needs...- Dad! - She'll need to be taught.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13That's what I'm saying, place it in and Dad will check over it and see if it's right.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Just do it.- I've done it now! Done. - No, you haven't.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Well, I wouldn't know any better. I do everything wrong.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21I'll do the first staple for you and then you can do the rest.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Let her...- I agree with her doing the stapling, it's no problem,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28but she's got to learn and she's got to listen first.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30'I think he just likes things done his way.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34'If they're not done his way, he's not a happy bunny.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37'He likes to be in control of everything and everyone.'
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- Rachael's supposed to do this. - I'm getting her to...
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- No, you're stapling it.- I'm stapling it to show her how to do it.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45It's the correct way of doing it, Louise.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- She needs to be doing it herself. - Now I'm asking her to do it herself.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Take the staple gun and you do it. - Am I allowed?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Right, just do it.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04I need to sort a few things out with them and I need to sort it out quick
0:19:04 > 0:19:07because other than that, I'm just...
0:19:07 > 0:19:09He likes doing everything himself.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13And hates... Cos it might go wrong,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16he doesn't trust that I might go right.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- Are you going to be all right working with your dad? - I would be all right
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- MIKE CALLS OUT FROM OFFICE - ..as long as he lets me get on with it myself.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27This is a problem and you're interfering.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31I was interfering? Yeah.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32HE MOCKS RACHAEL
0:19:32 > 0:19:35# All the single ladies All the single ladies... #
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Working with your dad has its challenges,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40especially when you're only just 16 years old.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Mike needs to know if she's ready to work.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47She's a spoilt little brat.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52Rachael is a teenager of today. Not a teenager of yesterday.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54# If you like it then you should have put a ring... #
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Back home and Rachael's having a party to celebrate
0:19:57 > 0:19:59having turned 16.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05'He does give me quite a lot, erm, and I do push it sometimes.'
0:20:05 > 0:20:06I am Daddy's little princess.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09I've always been Daddy's little princess.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13Yes, I give Rachael a little bit too much leeway
0:20:13 > 0:20:17and I think, yes, now she's coming into the business
0:20:17 > 0:20:20I'm not just her father, I am her boss
0:20:20 > 0:20:23and if she doesn't come on board in the right way,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26she's out through the door, and I won't hesitate.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30I'm a bunny!
0:20:32 > 0:20:34I put the tights on.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36You sure she's dressed up as a bunny?
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Yeah.- Oh.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47The papers have been delivered and Rachael is front-page news.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- See that?- Whoa!
0:20:51 > 0:20:52Princess Rachael.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59I think the photo of me... on another page is disgusting.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01I look like I'm death warmed up.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03The girls - absolutely smashing.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06They're good for publicity, aren't they, your girls?
0:21:06 > 0:21:10It's not about publicity... Well, they're good for publicity,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12let's take nothing away, but that's not...
0:21:12 > 0:21:15that's not what the funeral trade is all about.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17The funeral trade is about, I've always said,
0:21:17 > 0:21:22respect, understanding and dignity to the family concerned.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Do you think you get extra business
0:21:24 > 0:21:26because of your attractive young girls?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Let's just say, I don't think it's done me any harm.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Mike's staff are busy preparing for a funeral
0:21:37 > 0:21:42that's taking place tomorrow, and for Mike's hearse driver, John,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44it's particularly poignant.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46A big friend of mine.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Is he?- Yeah. Yep.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52A very good friend. We were friends for years and years.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Is it not upsetting? - It is upsetting in the beginning.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00We went to pick up the body, you know, and it was upsetting then
0:22:00 > 0:22:02because he died that afternoon.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06And, erm... We go back a long way.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- We go back about 30 or 40 years, me and him.- Really?
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Been friends since our children were very small.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16You know, it's bad enough when you pick up any body,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18but when it's one of your best friends,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21it is upsetting then. Then again, we've got to look after him now
0:22:21 > 0:22:23and do a good job for him and his family.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Mike's given Rachael a special task.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33The family of Ken Morgan, who was John's friend,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37have asked for a dove release to be performed at his funeral tomorrow.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39This involves three doves being set free
0:22:39 > 0:22:42at the end of the service. Mike wants Rachael
0:22:42 > 0:22:44to organise it.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Come and have a look and you can see that they're all pairing up.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49- They've all...- Wow.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54You might be lucky to see one of them having a snog in a second.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Really?- Yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Oh, wow! That's amazing!
0:23:02 > 0:23:04So they really do love each other.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07When we put in the speeches, especially for weddings,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10that the birds find a partner and they mate for life,
0:23:10 > 0:23:11they really do love each other.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15There's something particular for Rachael to perform
0:23:15 > 0:23:17before the doves are released.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20You know we normally do a little speech or a poem
0:23:20 > 0:23:24before the doves are released, so how would you feel about doing that?
0:23:24 > 0:23:28If I put a short reading together for you, so you can help Rod then,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- before the doves are released, would that be OK?- Yeah.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32It'll only be short and sweet,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35but with a lot of meaning for the family concerned.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Just get used to him. He won't hurt you, I promise.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44All you need to do, if you want to step back a bit,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46he'll have a fly around, yeah.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Three members of the family want to release the doves, so I don't,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02but I got to do it today just in case.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04So I've got experience. Yeah.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07And I get to do a reading so I'm really happy.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17It's the morning of Ken Morgan's funeral
0:24:17 > 0:24:19and John's helping out.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22You're having the honour today of driving the hearse.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Taking him to his last resting place. So that's a nice touch.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- Yeah.- And the family have also asked him to bear for the funeral.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33It's going to be an awkward day for John today. A very sad day.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12The service begins, and Rachael has a few moments to practise her lines.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Go on, then.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I feel silly doing this.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21"I fly with these doves To heaven above
0:25:21 > 0:25:25"Where loved ones await With joy and love
0:25:25 > 0:25:27"Will make glorious...
0:25:27 > 0:25:30"Will make glorious my journey Set me free."
0:25:30 > 0:25:33You want to say that a lot louder and a lot clearer.
0:25:33 > 0:25:34Yes, I know.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Was that not good enough?
0:25:38 > 0:25:39- No.- Why not?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42She wasn't loud enough. There's going to be loads of people,
0:25:42 > 0:25:46traffic going past, I can just about hear her going like that.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56The funeral is coming to an end.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- Are you getting on all right now? - Yeah.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Are you going to speak up?- I did. - I know, I know.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17You can all keep coming, then you can see the dove release.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29"My loved ones do not cry and worry of me
0:26:29 > 0:26:31"For like the dove I have been set free
0:26:31 > 0:26:34"God has called me to my mansion on high
0:26:34 > 0:26:36"There among the clouds and the deep blue sky
0:26:36 > 0:26:38"I'll fly with these doves to heaven above
0:26:38 > 0:26:41"Where loved ones await with joy and love
0:26:41 > 0:26:43"An escort home from you to me
0:26:43 > 0:26:46"Will make glorious my journey
0:26:46 > 0:26:47"Now set me free."
0:26:51 > 0:26:54APPLAUSE
0:26:58 > 0:26:59How did that go?
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Very well, thank you, very well.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Excellent. Lovely turn out, he had.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07She was fantastic. Absolutely superb. Expert.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Thank you.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16I thought I was it went quite all right, actually.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20I thought I could have gone a bit slower when I was speaking.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- You must have been nervous. There were a lot of people. - I wasn't nervous.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36When he started the company,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Mike only carried out four funerals a year,
0:27:39 > 0:27:43but, 14 years on, he can now get that many a week.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Because of the massive increase in work,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50he's bought the shop next door and is expanding.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54He used to be a carpenter, so Mike's doing
0:27:54 > 0:27:56the refurb of the parlour himself.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00This is going to be the chapel. There's no window going in there.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02All the seating is coming forward.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05It doesn't even look like a chapel at the moment.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07You know, you've got to expect that.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10There's a long way to go.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Do me a favour, stick your foot on there.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- So you're going to have, like, a priest in here.- Yeah.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20DOG WHIMPERS
0:28:22 > 0:28:24DOG WHIMPERS
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Shut up!
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- Has your doctor told you to be less stressed?- Nope!
0:28:30 > 0:28:32I don't actually see a doctor.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- I've had two heart attacks. - You've had two heart attacks?
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- You're joking? - You didn't realise that, did you?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45And I'm still going strong!
0:28:45 > 0:28:48When the lord wants me, he'll take me.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Next door, Rachael continues her training with Steve.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00I just never wear tights. I don't know how to put them on!
0:29:00 > 0:29:03When relatives come to see their loved ones at a family viewing
0:29:03 > 0:29:07they often ask for them to be dressed in the clothes they used to wear.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09I'd hope one day that no-one, like,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13twitches or anything cos that would scare the living daylights out of me.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Dressing the deceased is a physically demanding job.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23- Do you think you could do this on your own?- I couldn't do this on my own yet, I'll admit that.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28It's a bit too hard for me, as yet.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31She's light this one is, but we've had some 27 stones,
0:29:31 > 0:29:36we've had to dress as well and I've done that by myself.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Does it make you feel uncomfortable, being around the dead bodies?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41It never makes me uncomfortable.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43I feel like they're asleep, I never think
0:29:43 > 0:29:46that they're dead I always think they're asleep.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49I always talk to the people I'm dressing, as well.
0:29:49 > 0:29:50What do you say to them?
0:29:50 > 0:29:54I say things like, I'll dress you nice
0:29:54 > 0:29:59and make sure you look smart in front of your family.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- I got one little job for you now, Rach...- Yeah.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- This lady's got perfume.- Awww. - So you can put it on.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13On her wrist, as well.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16There you go.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19She's got straight hair this one, hasn't she?
0:30:19 > 0:30:20Aw, lover.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Yeah, very good.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- OK.- Thank you very much.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Yeah, she did really well for her first time,
0:30:26 > 0:30:28I gotta be honest, she did really well.
0:30:28 > 0:30:33It's a steep learning curve for a 16-year-old.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Rachael may have become Britain's youngest undertaker,
0:30:41 > 0:30:46but to her mum, Pat, she's not changed a bit.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48She's just a normal girl as far as I'm concerned,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50she's just my Rachael.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55She's a funeral director, but as she says,
0:30:55 > 0:30:59she's got her own life, as well, she does do the things she likes
0:30:59 > 0:31:04doing, horse-riding, shopping and everything else teenagers do.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Mike too has a hobby...
0:31:11 > 0:31:13birds.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18He's built an aviary in his back garden.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Hello, babies.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23How many have you got, Mike?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26It works out about 87 all told at the moment.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28My pastime, my enjoyment...
0:31:28 > 0:31:32There's a good girl, she is.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- Ah, she's gone. - Have you ever lost any?
0:31:36 > 0:31:41Oh, good god, I've lost hundreds, you come in one morning,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45a cockatiel has passed on, come in here another day
0:31:45 > 0:31:46and a budgie has passed on.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51HE WHISTLES You hear that one?
0:31:55 > 0:31:59There's been flurry of calls over the weekend
0:31:59 > 0:32:02and Mike now has six deceased at rest in his mortuary.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- You got enough coffins?- We got plenty of coffins, no problem!
0:32:08 > 0:32:12It's the most he's had in at one time for months.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- Do you normally get so many?- Uh, we've had 15 in,
0:32:15 > 0:32:19I've no problems with that. The more the better.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23I'd rather them come to me than anyone else, naturally.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31When a body comes into Mike's mortuary, there's an important job that needs to be done.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Embalming is a process that makes the deceased hygienic
0:32:34 > 0:32:36and presentable for the family to view them.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43It's a job considered to be the most difficult in the profession...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46I've never done embalming, I've watched embalming
0:32:46 > 0:32:48and that's why, its' not my cup of tea.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52The actual worst one is where they've opened them up,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55the PMs, the post-mortems.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58I've watched it, but I'm like John,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01if it's out, then I'd prefer not to watch it, any more, we've seen it.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03You don't need to carry on seeing it again, do you?
0:33:03 > 0:33:05You've seen it once that's enough.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09Someone's got to do it, but I'm glad I haven't.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Mike's very keen for Rachael to learn every aspect of the trade
0:33:18 > 0:33:23so he's arranged for her to have a lesson with the embalmer, Ian.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25From what I've seen of Rachael now,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27and what she does, how she perceives it,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30I believe Rachael is going to be the embalmer in this company.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34I don't know where my dad has got, "she could be an embalmer," from
0:33:34 > 0:33:38because yes, I can stand it and I can stand there and watch,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40and I am really fascinated by it,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43but he just thinks, OK, you're fascinated by it, and because I'm...
0:33:43 > 0:33:46"You can be an embalmer, you can be this, you can learn that,"
0:33:46 > 0:33:48and I'm kinda like, "yeah, OK!"
0:33:48 > 0:33:51It takes years to qualify as an embalmer
0:33:51 > 0:33:53and is a highly skilled job.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- How are you then?- Hello.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00'Ian's been an embalmer for over 30 years.'
0:34:00 > 0:34:03I've embalmed more than 30,000 bodies.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07You've embalmed 30,000 bodies?
0:34:07 > 0:34:12Enough to fill at least a third of the millennium stadium in Cardiff.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- My God!- And when you sit and watch a rugby match there
0:34:16 > 0:34:21and you think, well I've embalmed a third of this stadium, potentially.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24Would you mind if Rachael stands in and helps you out today
0:34:24 > 0:34:26and takes some advice off you?
0:34:26 > 0:34:30I'm looking for Rachael possibly, in a few years time, to take on
0:34:30 > 0:34:32your position as an embalmer.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36And that's not knocking, taking you away, right,
0:34:36 > 0:34:39but to support you in your venture.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42So Rachael wants to qualify as an embalmer?
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Rachael's looking to go into the qualifications of an embalmer,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47there's a possibility of that.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51Right, it depends how she fairs and takes it on board with you.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- So you don't mind? - Not at all!- There you are.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59What I'm going to do is get some instruments out.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Then I'll, I'll make a decision
0:35:01 > 0:35:04of where we're going to inject the deceased from.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08The main process of embalming is the draining of bodily fluids
0:35:08 > 0:35:12and the injection of chemicals that help preserve the deceased.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- Go for it. - I don't want to go for it,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- I don't wanna break anything. - You won't break a thing.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Now I'm going to turn this tap on, cos what
0:35:20 > 0:35:24I want to do is not force the fluid into the deceased,
0:35:24 > 0:35:30I just want a comfortable, slow flow, to get fluid in.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Now, I'm quite, happy with that.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Why?- What's up, what's the matter?
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- I just feel like I'm going to faint.- You're going to faint?
0:35:38 > 0:35:40You know when you feel like... see stars.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Take a deep breath, well not too deep a breath...
0:35:43 > 0:35:47- Oh, my God. - Do you need to get out?
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Yeah, your sister will come and get you.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- Is she all right? - Can you take her out.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56She said she could see stars,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59she felt very faint, I don't know why she felt faint,
0:35:59 > 0:36:03because we were just talking about, what I've been doing, perhaps its
0:36:03 > 0:36:09one of those things that can happen occasionally, it's a learning curve.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13No, I don't feel sick, I just feel like I'm going to faint.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Rachael takes a lunch break and will
0:36:15 > 0:36:17carry on with the embalming lesson later.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22Ian's a very good embalmer, I only use the best.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Very good at his job, he knows his job, it's not a job I could do.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- Do you find it hard to eat with...? - Pardon?- Do you find it hard to eat
0:36:34 > 0:36:39- with the deceased around?- Why should I? I've been doing it for 14 years.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41No. Not at all.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46I wouldn't be in the embalming room eating, let me put it that way.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52You'll have to get off that Facebook,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55we're going to do a bit more work, you haven't got time.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58OK, I need to put all that on don't I?
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Good idea.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Rachael now faces a tougher test.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08Ian will be embalming a body that has received a post mortem.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12In this case a pathologist has had to work out the cause of death.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14It's not for the squeamish is it?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Post-mortems, no, because he's had a post mortem examination,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21for me to embal means that I will need to open up the deceased.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- You OK with that?- Yeah.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25What are your friends doing right now?
0:37:25 > 0:37:27My friends right now, one of them's at the cinema,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31one of them's in work at the hairdressers,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34a few of them are shopping
0:37:34 > 0:37:39and I'm in work witnessing an embalming.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- You all right with the smell? - Yeah.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46Now what I'm going to do, I need to put this into that bag
0:37:46 > 0:37:51and the waste that shouldn't be there,into this bag
0:37:51 > 0:37:53W'll have a little test to see if you can remember the organs.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58- Oh, yeah.- That's fat which is around the intestines.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01That's one thing I don't like.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05Don't say urgh, what's that?
0:38:05 > 0:38:06Oh, I don't like that!
0:38:08 > 0:38:09All right?
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- I'm boiling. - You think it's hot in here now,
0:38:12 > 0:38:17when you're doing the PMs yourself, it'll be really hot.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19I'm just a bit thirsty, I'll be straight back.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- Ah, you're going, are you? - Just a bit thirsty. I'll be back.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30- HE SIGHS - I think she actually lasted 30 minutes
0:38:30 > 0:38:36this time, I'm a bit surprised she actually threw the towel in.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41Perhaps she threw the towel in to mop the sweat off her brow.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Tough job, being an embalmer?
0:38:43 > 0:38:48It is a tough job and it's a lot to ask her to do, but she's taken
0:38:48 > 0:38:55it on board pretty well so I got no problems with that at all.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Even though Mike is surrounded by death every day
0:39:05 > 0:39:10it never brings him down. For him, death is not the end.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14I'm a great believer that there is a life beyond ours
0:39:14 > 0:39:18and the body is only the shell we come on this earth with.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22so the actual deceased in that coffin
0:39:22 > 0:39:24has actually moved on into the spiritual world.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30A few years ago there was an incident in the mortuary.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Yes, I've seen ghosts, I've seen two, yeah,
0:39:34 > 0:39:37since I've been here, couple of years that I've been here.
0:39:37 > 0:39:38Really, what happened?
0:39:38 > 0:39:41I was working out in the kitchen,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44I was doing something out there and I looked round
0:39:44 > 0:39:50and there was a gentleman sat on the, on the table over there.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55No, Steve says he saw one. I believe it cos that is what I believe in.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57It's a bit scary the thought of spirits?
0:39:57 > 0:40:02Nothing scary about it at all. Nothing frightening about it at all.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04Always remember the dead won't hurt you.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07It's those on earth you got to be careful of.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09You don't believe in them as well, do you?
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Yes, I actually seen, um, a spirit, where I used to live when I was a child.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Biggish guy, he had a shotgun under his arm, dressed in all
0:40:17 > 0:40:22the shooting gear he walked out of one railway embankment into another.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33The whole Ryan family believe in life after death, so much so
0:40:33 > 0:40:35that they regularly go to see a medium.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38At a local club, Mike has set up a seance
0:40:38 > 0:40:41with a lady who believes she has a special gift.
0:40:41 > 0:40:47Basically, I talk to dead people! That's it, I feel sorry for people who feel when you die, you die
0:40:47 > 0:40:51and that's the end of it, because, oh no, you're in for a big surprise...
0:40:51 > 0:40:54You've heard of psychic Sally, this is psychic Linda!
0:40:58 > 0:41:01OK, ah, all right. I've got a lady here with me,
0:41:01 > 0:41:05very keen to let you know that she's round and about you at the moment.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09I've got Elsie, she's very close to everybody that's here this evening.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14Elsie is Mike's mother who died 15 years ago.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Linda I've gotta go over to my boy she says, she tells me
0:41:16 > 0:41:21you're panicking about something, you have to slow down slightly, OK.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24She says you have to slow down cos you're getting yourself worked up,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26and its no good to you. You're sort of, constantly stressed.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31Give them a bit more to do and slow down a bit.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- It's getting them to do it! - Excuse me!
0:41:34 > 0:41:36- Shut up!- They say they can do it and you say, no you can't.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- Your mother tells you off about that! - Yes, he does that all the time.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Your mother says to me that you give them
0:41:43 > 0:41:47the opportunity to do it, they say, "yeah, we can do it," and you say...
0:41:47 > 0:41:49- "I'll sort that out."- Very true.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54Stop it, she says, cos these girls are quite capable, OK.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57God, the spirit world is so proud of you two girls, honestly,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59to take this on, they really are.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Thank you ever so much for today, thank you ever so much!
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Louise and Rachael are sceptical.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08They're not sure Mike will listen to his mother's message.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11I don't know, I think everything will come in time,
0:42:11 > 0:42:14I don't think he'll start giving us the responsibility.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17I think it will just go over time.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Mike's picking up a deceased from a local hospital.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29He's starting to wonder if his mum's right
0:42:29 > 0:42:32and he should be handing over more control.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37Although I gotta respect the girls for taking it on pretty good at the moment, they're doing well,
0:42:37 > 0:42:43time to let some of the reins go. But always keep the reins tight.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45HORN BEEPS
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Very clever, mate! Well done!
0:42:50 > 0:42:53I hate people who take you out!
0:43:00 > 0:43:06A pop star who had success in the '70s has unfortunately passed on
0:43:06 > 0:43:08and Mike is making arrangements for the funeral.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16- Who's Bob Young? - Bob Young is an entertainer.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19- For what?- Singing, dancing. - Equity card?- Huh?
0:43:19 > 0:43:24- Equity card?- I ain't got a clue! Big entertainer.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26PHONE RINGS
0:43:26 > 0:43:29I knew you'd say that!
0:43:30 > 0:43:31During her training period,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35Rachael's responsibilities at the funerals
0:43:35 > 0:43:39have been limited to handing out attendance cards.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42Now, she sees this funeral as a chance to move up the ladder.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44She wants to direct.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50Direct a funeral, I want to, because even though it's nice,
0:43:50 > 0:43:54you know, giving out attendance cards to the congregation,
0:43:54 > 0:43:58even though that is good, I've been doing that for quite a while now.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02I know my sister had to do that for quite a while before she directed,
0:44:02 > 0:44:03which is kind of where I am.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07I am ready to take it a step further and I know when I am ready.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09It doesn't help when my dad says,
0:44:09 > 0:44:13"You're not ready for this, you're not ready for that,"
0:44:13 > 0:44:14and I know for a fact
0:44:14 > 0:44:17that I'm the only one that knows when I'm ready to do what.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22The funeral director has
0:44:22 > 0:44:25the most important and sought-after job in the trade.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27They're in charge of leading the hearse,
0:44:27 > 0:44:29telling the family where to sit
0:44:29 > 0:44:33and dealing with any crisis that might happen on the day.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37It's usually only given to someone with years of experience.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39Do you think she's ready to direct? >
0:44:39 > 0:44:43She can think what she likes, cos if anything goes wrong,
0:44:43 > 0:44:45I've got to realise she's still 16 years of age.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48She thinks she's mature but I know better.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51She's not going to be pushed into anything.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53She thinks she can do this and do that,
0:44:53 > 0:44:55but she's only got to make one mistake
0:44:55 > 0:45:00and this business could finish. I am not putting myself in that position.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04Mike doesn't want Rachael to direct Robert Young's funeral,
0:45:04 > 0:45:06but he does want her to progress.
0:45:06 > 0:45:11He's going to let her help with some of the funeral arrangements.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15She's on her way to see the family.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18It's a huge step forward.
0:45:18 > 0:45:23I've got to ask a few questions about flower arrangements,
0:45:23 > 0:45:27stuff like that. Dad's given me the reponsibility for once.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30Finally doing something on my own!
0:45:30 > 0:45:33He hasn't even come with me! I'm really chuffed.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35So it's quite a big moment for you?
0:45:35 > 0:45:40This is the biggest moment of my whole career, I think.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44It makes me feel quite proud that my dad has faith in me.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47I know that now. I always did.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49But it's kind of like this has proved it
0:45:49 > 0:45:55because now I know that he does trust me with a lot of things.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03MUSIC PLAYS Is that him?
0:46:03 > 0:46:07# She may be the face I can't forget... #
0:46:07 > 0:46:09- Have you got the right bloke?- Yeah!
0:46:11 > 0:46:12Did you check his...?
0:46:13 > 0:46:15- Does it say Young on his hand?- What?
0:46:15 > 0:46:17Cos it don't look like him.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20# ..She may be the song that summer... #
0:46:20 > 0:46:21- What do you think?- Very good.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24You can have it back. Absolutely beautiful singer.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27Yeah, he is a good...or was a good singer, I should say.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29Not is, he was.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- I like this one, this colour. - Yeah, it is nice. I like it.
0:46:32 > 0:46:37It's a bit deep for his complexion, really. Yeah, it's nice.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- DOORBELL RINGS - Hello. How are you?
0:46:40 > 0:46:42Hello, I'm Rachael.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45Rachael meets up with Robert Young's son, who's also called Robert,
0:46:45 > 0:46:49and his mum, the singer's ex-wife, Sue.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53I just want to know what kind of flowers have you got for tomorrow,
0:46:53 > 0:46:57for on top of the coffin and by the side of the coffin?
0:46:57 > 0:46:59That's for one side.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02I couldn't put them in the other way.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04- Is that all right?- Yes.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09# ..She may be the beauty... #
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Although relatively unknown now,
0:47:12 > 0:47:16Robert Young was quite a star in his day and released a string of albums.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20His records kind of remind me of Elvis Presley or...
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- Yes, they're that sort of... - Well, he was born on the same day
0:47:24 > 0:47:27- as Elvis Presley!- He was.- Really? - Same day, same year.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- He often used to say that. - Oh, my, that's amazing.
0:47:30 > 0:47:31Born on the same day, same year.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38Well, I'll be off now, thank you for today. I've got all I need.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- Thank you.- Thanks very much.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42As Rachael leaves,
0:47:42 > 0:47:46the family mistakenly assume SHE is the funeral director.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49We presumed you were doing it.
0:47:49 > 0:47:51- Ah, you thought I was doing it on my own?- Yeah!
0:47:51 > 0:47:54- I'll ask him then. - We thought you were directing it.
0:47:54 > 0:47:58- It's absolutely fine.- If you don't want me to do it, that's fine.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01- No, no, genuinely, we were hoping you would.- All right, thank you.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11The family's misunderstanding is Rachael's big opportunity.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14Well, the family just said they want me to direct,
0:48:14 > 0:48:18so I really, really want to. I hope so.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21Whether my dad will let me direct tomorrow, I really don't know.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24We'll find out at the meal cos that's when I'm going to ask him.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26It's going to be fun.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33The family are eating out at a local restaurant.
0:48:33 > 0:48:37Rachael sees a chance to persuade Mike to give her a go at directing.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40The family said when I went down to them,
0:48:40 > 0:48:43that they thought I was directing on my own, already.
0:48:43 > 0:48:48So I was wondering if you would give me that responsibility, cos I did so well today on my own.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51Yeah, but not on a man's funeral, on a woman's funeral...
0:48:51 > 0:48:52- They want her to.- >
0:48:52 > 0:48:55- They want me to.- They want you to do it on your own, to walk it?- Yeah...
0:48:55 > 0:48:58If they're happy with that, I've got no problems at all.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02I said, "If you don't want me to do it, that's fine,"
0:49:02 > 0:49:05- and she said, "No, I really want you to do it." - I got no problem with that!
0:49:11 > 0:49:16It's the day of Robert Young's funeral and Rachael is to be the director.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21Mike and Louise do a final run-through of what she needs to do.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23You say to the family at the crematorium,
0:49:23 > 0:49:25- "Can the family please follow behind?"- OK.
0:49:25 > 0:49:30It's got to be very delicate and it's got to be perfection.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33All I'm saying to you, I'll be the first to congratulate you
0:49:33 > 0:49:37and say. "Great, you done a fabulous job," but you listen.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43It was the family's request to allow her to direct the funeral.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45I believed, and I got to be fair with you,
0:49:45 > 0:49:49is it right, is she too naive to direct the funeral?
0:49:49 > 0:49:54But I thought, "Well, it's the family's request, I got to put her in at the deep end."
0:50:15 > 0:50:18Louise directed her first funeral when she was 19
0:50:18 > 0:50:22and knows how worried Mike will be about anything going wrong.
0:50:22 > 0:50:25I think he's worried for her, cos she hasn't done it before.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28I would be the same if I was sat there.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31I'd probably go in the hearse with her as well.
0:50:31 > 0:50:35But once she's done it a few times, he'll be fine.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37He was the same when I first done it.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44- You introduce me.- I'm not ready yet, I'm rushing round...
0:50:44 > 0:50:46There's plenty of time.
0:50:46 > 0:50:51As the director, it's Rachael who will walk in front of the hearse.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55You're walking around here, you see the gates up there,
0:50:55 > 0:50:59you walk up to the gates and take the bow as the hearse passes you.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03I'll tell Bernard... Well, Bernard will know when to stop the hearse.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05- So you all right with that?- Yeah.
0:51:05 > 0:51:09When you're walking, there's your stick.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12- I know.- Just to make sure you're right, love, go on.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14You're doing well.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24It's also Rachael's job to round up the family.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26Everyone ready?
0:51:33 > 0:51:37Would you like to follow behind Robert. Just make your way...
0:52:13 > 0:52:16Gentleman, can I have the bearers please? Thank you.
0:52:46 > 0:52:51Oh, Lord God, most holy, oh, Lord most mighty,
0:52:51 > 0:52:54oh, holy and most merciful saviour,
0:52:54 > 0:53:01deliver us from the bitterness of eternal death.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04In the '70s,
0:53:04 > 0:53:08Robert Young recorded his own version of You'll Never Walk Alone.
0:53:08 > 0:53:13# Walk on, walk on
0:53:13 > 0:53:19# With hope in your heart
0:53:19 > 0:53:28# And you'll never walk alone
0:53:28 > 0:53:35# You'll never
0:53:35 > 0:53:45# Walk a-alone. #
0:53:45 > 0:53:48Fantastic, really, really good, thank you.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Are you happy with all she did for you today?
0:53:51 > 0:53:54I just told her it's the best funeral I've been to.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56Honestly, it was really smooth.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00It was lovely to hear your dad's voice at the end, nice touch.
0:54:00 > 0:54:01Nice touch.
0:54:01 > 0:54:03Thanks very much.
0:54:03 > 0:54:04Thank you.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07Didn't she do well? Magnificently.
0:54:07 > 0:54:11And she looks really wonderful, she really looks lovely.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13You should be proud.
0:54:13 > 0:54:18- I am!- I'm sure your dad is. I'm sure Dad is.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20She was really nice then.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23She was saying how well I did and everything and, em...
0:54:23 > 0:54:28Well, I'm just happy I gave a good send off, to be fair.
0:54:28 > 0:54:29And, em, his son, he said that
0:54:29 > 0:54:32that was the best service he's ever been at,
0:54:32 > 0:54:35it was absolutely beautiful. So I'm just really happy
0:54:35 > 0:54:39I made that family happy and proud...of, um, his send-off.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43So I'm glad I can do it.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57It's a few weeks later
0:54:57 > 0:55:01and the success of Robert Young's funeral has had a big impact
0:55:01 > 0:55:03on Mike's view of Rachael.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05I've loosened the reins.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07I gave her the reins. I give her the rope
0:55:07 > 0:55:11and, credit to her, she never hung herself. She done me proud.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13The confidence in her -
0:55:13 > 0:55:16and I had a surprise there I have to be fair -
0:55:16 > 0:55:18the confidence that she took on board,
0:55:18 > 0:55:21directing that funeral was outstanding.
0:55:21 > 0:55:26The added responsibility has also changed Rachael's attitude to work.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30The improvement in her behaviour has been 80%.
0:55:30 > 0:55:34She came from being a teenager to an adult overnight.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37I have changed my behaviour with my dad.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39When I first come on full time, I did kind of think,
0:55:39 > 0:55:42"Oh, he's my dad, he'll let me off!"
0:55:42 > 0:55:46I did think that all the time, but then...
0:55:46 > 0:55:49I've had to, em, grow up a bit more.
0:55:50 > 0:55:56Rachael's probation is now over and Mike calls a meeting.
0:55:56 > 0:56:00You've been with us three months, how do you feel the progress you made?
0:56:00 > 0:56:04I feel very happy and I think I'm ready to join the business.
0:56:04 > 0:56:09Officially now, she is on board, as a director.
0:56:09 > 0:56:14Now this is the way forward and this is the way we're going.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18With his two daughters now helping him run the business,
0:56:18 > 0:56:20can Mike finally loosen the reins?
0:56:20 > 0:56:25No. No, I'll never let go until I'm in my coffin myself.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30I'm being honest with you. I will never let go.