Smoggie Queens is a British television sitcom created by Phil Dunning set in Middlesbrough focusing on the chosen family and lives of a group of LGBTQ friends. It premiered at Middlesbrough Town Hall and was first broadcast on BBC Three on 28 November 2024 and BBC iPlayer. Smoggie in the title is a demonym for people from Middlesbrough.
There are a number of cameos including Michelle Visage and Steph McGovern. The series is produced by Hat Trick Productions, and has funding support by North East Screen Industries Partnership delivered by North East Screen. The worldwide distribution is by Hat Trick International.
On 17 July 2026, the BBC announced that Smoggie Queens has been recommissioned for a third series.
Cast and characters Sources:
Main cast Phil Dunning as Dickie Mark Benton as Mam Alexandra Mardell as Lucinda Elijah Young as Stewart Patsy Lowe as Sal Neil Grainger as Neil Supporting and guest characters Michael Hodgson as Nan Charlotte Riley as Danni Monica Dolan as Paula (Series 2) Peter McPherson as Harrison Michael Mather as Bobby Lauryn Redding as Mel Bill Fellows as Keith Michelle Visage as Elaine Steph McGovern as herself David Kirkbride as Trev Mark Stobbart as Marcus Alison Ward as Moira Jeff Stelling as himself (Series 2) Chris Kamara as himself (Series 2) Melanie Hill as Vanessa (Series 2) Amalia Vitale as Linda (Series 2) Freya Parker as Arabella (Series 2)
Episodes Series overview
Series 1 (2024)
Series 2 (2026)
Reviews Rachel Aroesti of The Guardian gave the series as 3 out of 5 stars "This series about a tight-knit queer community joyfully celebrates British camp culture – from deadpan humour to loving Lorraine Kelly. What a shame it’s not more funny."
Yvonne Wancke of North East Bylines said "I watched BBC's Smoggie Queens over the Christmas break and what a delight! It's funny, charming, delightful, and moving – all at once. The writing is awesome and the cast are truly splendid. A must watch in my opinion."
Nick Levine of The i Paper gave 4 out of 5 stars, saying "Smoggie Queens is a reminder that queer people form chosen families all over the country, not just in big cities like London and Manchester that are traditionally seen as more accepting. It might be packed with daft laughs, but it's also thoroughly comforting – no mean feat for a show that drops the word “gooch” in its opening scene."
Awards +Year Award Category NomineeResultCitation2025Royal Television Society RTS North East and the Border AwardsComedy AwardSmoggie Queens2025Royal Television Society RTS North East and the Border AwardsBest NewcomerPhil Dunning2025Comedy.co.uk Awards Best New SitcomSmoggie Queens2025BAFTA TV Awards Male Performance in a ComedyPhil DunningNominated2025BAFTA Craft AwardsComedy WriterPhil DunningNominated2025BAFTA Craft AwardsEmerging Talent Phil DunningNominated2025Broadcast Digital AwardsBest ComedySmoggie QueensWon2026Broadcast AwardsBest Comedy Smoggie QueensNominated
References
External links