BBC comedy with Coronation Street and Waterloo Road stars lands second series

OUT and proud comedy Smoggie Queens is twerking its way back to the BBC small screen – with its Coronation Street and Waterloo Road stars in tow.

The award-winning comedy drama set in the heart of Middlesbrough has been recommissioned for a second series on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

The colourful series is based on a ‘quirky bunch of LGBTQ+ pals embrace their identities, finding solace and joy within their community's small but vibrant pocket'.

Series two is set to sashay onto screens with more slapstick and silly laughs, and showered with one liners.

Alexandra Mardell, 31, best known for her role as Emma Brooker in Coronation Street, leads the cast as self-styled hun Lucinda.

She first joined the long-running ITV soap in 2018 and appeared on the cobbles for four years.

Waterloo Road star Mark Benton, 59, also stars in the punchy series.

He was best known for his role as maths teacher Daniel Chalk in the school drama before he took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.

Now he looks unrecognisable as the fabulous drag queen Mam in the LGBTQ+ series.

The supporting cast for Smoggie Queens has been star-studded, featuring Drag Race royalty Michelle Visage, presenter Steph McGovern – who made her acting debut – and Peaky Blinders actress Charlotte Riley.

The Hat Trick Productions offering recently won Best
Comedy at the RTS North East Awards.

Written and created by Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning, Dickie (Dunning), will be joined by Mam (Mark Benton), Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), Sal (Patsy Lowe) and Stewart (Elijah Young), flying the queer flag in their small corner of the UK.

Viewers should expect ‘more mad antics and chaotic energy as the Queens take you on (another) ride of your life'.

Phil Dunning, writer, creator and actor said: “Really made up that the BBC have recommissioned Smoggie Queens. I’ve pencilled it in my diary.”;

“So glad we get to go back to the Boro for more Smoggie Queens. Really grateful to the BBC for giving this big old queer show another run,” confirmed producer Chris Jones.

“We all need a feel-good, laugh out loud show to watch, so thank God Smoggie Queens is coming back! Who doesn't want to hang out with the funniest, craziest and most lovable crew on telly at the moment,” declared Hat Trick managing director Jimmy Mulville.

BBC director of comedy, Jon Petrie, said: “Smoggie Queens is back—along with the wigs, the big laughs, and the brilliantly chaotic energy that made us fall in love with Dickie and the gang. This show is something special.”

The first series is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.