Filming has wrapped on the brand new comedy set in Middlesbrough and today the supporting cast has been revealed for the forthcoming series coming to BBC Three and iPlayer.
Smoggie Queens is an out and out comedy centred around a gang of friends who are fiercely proud of their North Eastern town of Middlesbrough and their small pocket of the LGBTQ+ community.
Written by Middlesbrough native, Phil Dunning, Smoggie Queens tells the story of volatile Dickie (Dunning) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young) as they navigate love, life and their pride for a town that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK. It’s an underdog story on two fronts, so expect a few passionate scraps that may send your wig flying!
The supporting cast of the new series features a plethora of talent, including Drag Race royalty, Michelle Visage and actor Charlotte Riley, who is most known for her role in Peaky Blinders.
Also joining the cast is actor Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso), presenter Steph McGovern, actors Lauryn Redding (Standing At The Sky’s Edge), Peter McPherson (In From the Side), Neil Grainger (Hebburn) and Michael Mather (It’s A Sin).
Michelle Visage says "Filming Smoggie Queens was an absolute joy, and I am so excited for everyone to meet Elaine, an uptight office assistant, who I had so much fun playing - wait until you meet her! The script is brilliant, the costumes are amazing, and I loved being amongst Middlesbrough royalty for the day! I’m an official Smoggie now!"
Charlotte Riley says “Being back in Teesside working with Phil and the team on this incredible project has been the most awesome experience. Not sure I've met a more funny and fabulous cast. We had the best laugh ever making this show and I can’t wait to watch it. Just so, so grateful I got to be a part of it.”
Writer and actor, Phil Dunning says “I feel so stupidly lucky that such an incredibly talented cast agreed to come and be part of Smoggie Queens. They were an absolute dream to work with and I’m in awe and adulation of every single one of them.”
The New Cast
Drag Race Royalty Joins The Team
The series has secured the presence of Drag Race royalty, Michelle Visage, who will play the role of Elaine, an uptight office assistant. In an interview, Visage expressed her excitement about the project, saying, "Filming Smoggie Queens was an absolute joy, and I am so excited for everyone to meet Elaine, who I had so much fun playing - wait until you meet her!" She added, "The script is brilliant, the costumes are amazing, and I loved being amongst Middlesbrough royalty for the day! I’m an official Smoggie now!"
Peaky Blinders Star Returns Home
Another exciting addition to the cast is Charlotte Riley, who is best known for her role as May Fitz Carleton in Peaky Blinders. Riley, who hails from Teesside, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the project, saying, “Being back in Teesside working with Phil and the team on this incredible project has been the most awesome experience. Not sure I’ve met a more funny and fabulous cast. We had the best laugh ever making this show and I can’t wait to watch it. Just so, so grateful I got to be a part of it.”
Packed Lunch Host Makes Acting Debut
Presenter Steph McGovern is also joining the cast of Smoggie Queens, marking her acting debut. McGovern, known for her popular daytime show Steph’s Packed Lunch, has been sworn to secrecy about her role, but fans can expect to see her on screen as a new addition to the group of friends.
A Celebration of Middlesbrough
Smoggie Queens, a six-part series, is a Hat Trick production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. The series is a celebration of Middlesbrough, focusing on a group of friends who are fiercely proud of their North Eastern town and their small pocket of the LGBTQ+ community. The show promises to be a heartfelt comedy that explores the ups and downs of life and love for these characters, all while showcasing the unique spirit and charm of Middlesbrough.
The Production
Smoggie Queens is funded by the North East Screen Industries Partnership, delivered by North East Screen, with worldwide distribution by Hat Trick International. The series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy. The producer is Chris Jones and the director is Andrew Chaplin. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp. The series is set to air this autumn on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.
A Show with Heart and Humor
With a talented cast and a heartwarming story, Smoggie Queens is sure to be a hit with audiences. The show is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of Middlesbrough and its LGBTQ+ community, offering a fresh and funny take on life, love, and friendship.
Beyond Middlesbrough
Smoggie Queens is a great example of how the BBC is working to highlight the talent and stories from across the UK. The show promises to be a celebration of diversity and inclusion, with its focus on the LGBTQ+ community in Middlesbrough. The show is a must-watch for fans of comedy and anyone looking for a heartwarming and humorous story.
