Star names have signed up to appear in the BBC Three Comedys Second Series

Following its breakout success and a slew of award wins, Smoggie Queens is officially back in action. Cameras are rolling once again in Middlesbrough as the second series of the irreverent and heartwarming BBC sitcom begins productionbringing with it a blend of familiar faces, new arrivals, and the same chaotic queer charm that made the first season a fan favourite.

Among the most notable new additions is BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning actor Monica Dolan, whose credits span Appropriate Adult, Sherwood and Mr Bates vs The Post Office. She joins a returning cast that includes Michelle Visageback as scene-stealing drag matriarch herselfand Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders), alongside an ensemble of established British talent.

Also joining for series two are Amalia Vitale (Big Mood) and Freya Parker (Lazy Susan), with further appearances from Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso), Michael Hodgson (Vera), Lauryn Redding (Standing At The Skys Edge), Peter McPherson (In From the Side), Neil Grainger (Hebburn), Michael Mather (Its A Sin) and presenter Steph McGovern.

Created by and starring Phil Dunning, Smoggie Queens follows a found family of queer friends living in Middlesbrough, navigating love, loyalty and the trials of working-class life with joy, defiance and a lot of slapstick humour. Dunnings portrayal of Dickie won him widespread acclaim and a trio of BAFTA nominations earlier this yearMale Performance in a Comedy Programme, Writer: Comedy, and Emerging Talent: Fiction at the BAFTA TV Craft Awards.

Im so happy to see so many of the Smoggie family returning for Series 2, said Dunning. And over the moon to welcome the incredibly talented newbies. Cant wait to make TV and eat parmos with all of them.

Returning regulars include Mark Benton as Mam, Alexandra Mardell as Lucinda, Patsy Lowe as Sal, and Elijah Young as Stewartensuring fans will see more of the hilarious family dynamic that powered series one. Expect sharp one-liners, unpredictable antics and plenty of heart as the Smoggies tackle new romances, old flames, and lifes curveballs with resilience and pride.

The new six-part series is once again produced by Hat Trick Productions. Celebrated for its authentic Northern voice and vibrant representation of LGBTQ+ life, Smoggie Queens has earned accolades from both critics and audiences. The series picked up Best Comedy at the RTS North East Awards and Best Comedy Programme at the Broadcast Digital Awards, with Dunning himself named Best Newcomer.

Series two will air on BBC Three and iPlayer. Transmission details are yet to be finalised.