Smoggie Queens filming wraps, with Michelle Visage amongst guest stars
Filming has wrapped on Smoggie Queens, the brand new comedy set in Middlesbrough.
Written by Phil Dunning, the BBC Three show centres around a gang of friends who are fiercely proud of their North Eastern town and their small pocket of the LGBTQ+ community.
Dunning plays volatile Dickie:
Mark Benton is drag queen Mam:
Alexandra Mardell is self-styled hun Lucinda:
Patsy Lowe plays awkward Sal:
And Elijah Young takes on the role of group newcomer Stewart:
Together the characters "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!"
It's been revealed today the supporting cast of the new series will include Drag Race star Michelle Visage. She 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, best known for playing May Fitz Carleton in Peaky Blinders, also has a guest role. She comments: "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."
Presenter Steph McGovern also makes a cameo appearance, and actors joining the key cast across the episodes include Bill Fellows, Lauryn Redding Peter McPherson, Neil Grainger and Michael Mather.
Phil Dunning comments: "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 six-part series is coming to BBC Three and iPlayer this autumn.