About This Episode
What is the episode about?
REAL Presents: Grave Concerns episode 2, titled 'We've Got the Wrong Body', examines the darker side of the British funeral industry, where a lack of regulation has led to traumatic experiences for bereaved families. Host Naomi Channell works through disturbing cases, including the 15-year mystery surrounding Izabela Zablocka, whose remains were not where her family had been told they were.
The episode features an interview with Andrew Judd, CEO of the National Association of Funeral Directors, and explores how isolated incidents within an unregulated industry have left thousands of grieving families with a profound distrust of the institutions meant to care for their loved ones with dignity.
The case behind the episode
The case of Izabela Zablocka stands as one of the most striking examples of the logistical and ethical failures that can occur within funeral businesses. The Polish woman disappeared in 2010 and was not found until 15 years later, buried in a garden on Princes Street in Normanton, Derby. Her remains had been dismembered and wrapped in electrical tape and bin bags.
Anna Podedworna, 40, employed as a turkey slaughterer, was convicted of murder as well as preventing a lawful burial and perverting the course of justice. She received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years, sentenced in February 2026.
For Izabela's family, the 15-year mystery was not only a source of grief but also a reflection of the regulatory vacuum that characterises the sector. The case underlines how critical it is to have proper identification and documentation of the deceased, and to protect that process from criminal interference.
The episode connects this case to broader questions about the industry: How can unregulated funeral homes operate without sufficient oversight? What safeguards are missing to protect both the deceased and their families?
Systemic failure in the funeral industry
Grave Concerns uses Izabela Zablocka's tragic fate as a starting point to examine deeper problems within the British funeral industry. Over the past two decades, a series of scandals has exposed shortcomings in certification, supervision and basic security protocols. Collectively, these incidents have placed mounting pressure on the British government to introduce mandatory certification and oversight of funeral businesses.
The podcast documents how bereaved families have repeatedly experienced:
- Misidentification of the deceased
- Lack of documentation and transparency
- Insufficient physical security around the deceased
- Absence of professional regulation among staff
About the podcast
REAL Presents: Grave Concerns is an investigative true crime series produced by REAL, specialising in uncovering systemic failures and hidden crimes. The series is led by Naomi Channell, who has previously received recognition for her ability to combine personal narratives with in-depth journalistic research. In this season, she focuses specifically on British funeral scandals that have occurred over the last 20 years.
The podcast serves both as a record of victims' stories and as a critical examination of the legislative gaps within which the industry operates. By giving a voice to both experts and affected families, the series builds a nuanced picture of an industry in crisis.
Where to listen
The episode 'We've Got the Wrong Body' is available to stream on major platforms. You can find the full series on Spotify or via Apple Podcasts.
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Source: ITV News Central (Derby Crown Court proceedings, Izabela Zablocka case verification)
