Big Fat Gypsy Funerals?

Channel 4 bosses are planning a spin-off of 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings', which will focus on funerals.

The show - which documents traveller girls' big days, including their over-the-top dresses and huge cakes - has been the network's highest-rating series for years and producers are now keen to follow it up with a programme about how the gypsy community send off their loved ones.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "If something's a hit then you need to make a sequel as soon as possible. But they can't do weddings again so they need a new topic. And what better than funerals?

"In the past, gypsies have built enormous resting places for the deceased that resemble bedrooms so it looks like the person is sleeping in bed.

"They have a huge floral tributes in all shapes, massive tombstones and hundreds gather to say their goodbyes."

While 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' - which ended its five-week run last night (15.02.11) - has become a ratings success, some travellers have blasted the show, saying it doesn't truly represent their community.

Traveller Caroline recently said: "I thought it was good that people would be made aware of travellers. We suffer a lot of discrimination. You're always scared that the neighbours will find out who you are and the kids will get bullied.

"We can't even book wedding receptions under our real names. If the venue finds out, they cancel. Millions have watched it, but all anyone is talking about are the dresses. We're a laughing stock."