BBC viewers are urging bosses to commission a second series of the hit comedy Smoggie Queens.
With the final episode of BBC series Smoggie Queens recently airing, fans have taken to social media to express their love for the show and plead for another series.
The series, which is set in and filmed in Middlesbrough, tells the story of volatile Dickie (Phil Dunning) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young).
Unlike anything the BBC has aired before, the “silly, stupid, slapstick” six-part sitcom follows a clan of largely queer, entirely misfit friends living, loving and laughing in Middlesborough.
The supporting cast of the series features a plethora of talent, including RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty Michelle Visage and Boro’s own Steph McGovern, as well as Teesside actors Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders) and Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso).
It is written by Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning, and is described as an “out and proud Middlesbrough comedy”.
Dunning is Dickie, a blistering 37-year-old drag queen who is as delusional as he is hilarious.
At the beginning, he’s got a particular disdain for the guileless “little baby gay” Stewart (Elijah Young) – who joins the group after being found on his own in a gay bar – because he’s younger, better at makeup, and doesn’t murder Adele hits.
Meanwhile, Coronation Street’s Alexandra Mardell is their featherbrained friend Lucinda on the prowl for a new man.
Viewers follow the lives, loves, and crazy adventures of the Smoggies, through a ride in a Cinderella-style coach, a murder mystery, and a super-competitive drag queen event on a boat, amongst other things.
In the final episode of “Smoggie Queens,” titled “A Smoggie Pride,” Mam hosts the main stage at Middlesbrough Pride, featuring a Girls Aloud drag tribute act that promises an unforgettable show.
The episode is filled with joy and fun, highlighting the strong bonds of the chosen family within the LGBTQ+ community.
This heartfelt conclusion emphasises the themes of belonging and togetherness that are central to the series.
It was highly entertaining, and rounds off with a real sense of chosen family, who will do anything to support and protect each other.
Now fans are begging BBC bosses to make another series.
Taking to social media, one said: “Just binged watched Smoggie Queens, omfg it was bloody brilliant, was a roller coaster of emotions but very funny with a great cast esp Phil Dunning who plays Dickie & also wrote the series, hope there’s a series 2.”
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) – Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) – The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters’, in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 – 1989) – Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 – 2012) – Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay ‘hip’. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 – 2006) – The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) – A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line ‘Am I bovvered?’. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous ‘Nan’, Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 – Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
Another wrote: “Wasn’t sure what to expect with this but have to say I really loved it. @bbcthree Episodes 5 & 6 are particularly good. Really hope a second series is on the way.”
A third penned: “Please tell me that #smoggiequeens will have a second series!!!“
A fourth added: “Just finished the entire series of #SmoggieQueens on @BBCiPlayer. And, it was absolutely brilliant! Hilarious, heartwarming and sad in parts. A fantastic queer series that everyone should watch! Fingers crossed for a series 2!”
You can watch all episodes of Smoggie Queens on BBC iPlayer.
