TL;DR
- Smoggie Queens season 2 premieres on May 15.
- Phil Dunning returns with new drag antics.
- The show has gained a cult following.
- It highlights LGBTQ+ stories in regional areas.
- Expect more laughs and heartfelt moments.
Hold onto your wigs, darling, because the fabulousness is about to return! The hit BBC Three comedy, Smoggie Queens, is strutting back onto our screens for its second season on May 15, and we couldn’t be more excited. This cult favorite, which took the drag scene by storm, is ready to serve up even more laughs and heartwarming moments from the vibrant world of Teesside.
When I arrived on set, I was greeted by the dazzling Phil Dunning, who was decked out in a red halterneck dress and a curly blonde wig, embodying his character Dickie in all its over-the-top glory. It’s this kind of outrageous drag that has made the show such a hit, and judging by the buzz from the cast, season two is set to push boundaries even further.
“I’m really overwhelmed with the amount of love we’ve got from it,” Dunning shared, and honestly, who can blame him? The first season drew in around 600,000 viewers per episode, a remarkable feat for BBC Three, and it bagged Dunning three BAFTA nominations. Talk about a glow-up!
But what’s truly heartwarming is the unexpected audience the show has found. Alexandra Mardell, who plays Lucinda, noted, “You had a lot of straight, burly men who said, ‘I love this,’ and they weren’t expecting to, and that’s what you wanted to do.” It’s a testament to the show’s universal appeal and its ability to bridge gaps between communities.
Elijah Young, who portrays Stewart—the group’s freshly out newcomer—shared how the show resonates with both the local and LGBTQ+ communities. “Teesside has been really proud of it, but then also the queer community being like, ‘Oh, this is the kind of comedy that we want,’” he said. Young’s character’s coming out storyline has sparked conversations across generations, proving that these stories are always needed, especially in regions where LGBTQ+ representation is often lacking.
Producer Chris Jones emphasizes that while Smoggie Queens is an LGBTQ+ comedy, it’s fundamentally a comedy first. “There’s definitely heartwarming and dramatic beats in the show, but definitely funny first,” he explained. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good laugh? It’s refreshing to see a show that embraces its queer identity while also appealing to a broad audience.
As we gear up for the second season, fans can expect new faces alongside returning favorites. BAFTA and Olivier award-winning Monica Dolan joins the cast, and the excitement is palpable. Dunning remarked on Dolan’s dedication to the role, saying, “She just really threw herself into the part,” proving that the new season will be just as entertaining as the first.
So mark your calendars, grab your glitter, and get ready for the return of Smoggie Queens on May 15. This is one drag show you won’t want to miss! 🎉💖