Smoggie Queens Series 2: Strike and Beyond Paradise Stars Join Cast

 Smoggie Queens series 2 welcomes Strike’s Monica Dolan and Beyond Paradise’s Amalia Vitale. Discover 2025’s cast and production details now!

Introduction: Smoggie Queens Series 2 Brings Big Names in 2025

Smoggie Queens is back for a second season on BBC Three and iPlayer in 2025, and it’s packing some serious star power. 

This Middlesbrough-based sitcom, which premiered November 28, 2024, follows a group of LGBTQ+ friends navigating life with humor and heart. Season 1, with 600,000 viewers per episode, per Deadline, won Best Comedy at the RTS North East Awards. 

Now, series 2 is filming with new cast members like Monica Dolan from Strike and Amalia Vitale from Beyond Paradise, alongside returning favorites like Michelle Visage. Why does this matter? Because Smoggie Queens blends slapstick comedy with queer pride, and stars like Dolan add depth to its chaotic charm. Let’s dive into the cast, production, and what’s coming, based on BBC, Cornwall Live, and fan buzz on X.

Monica Dolan and Amalia Vitale Lead New Cast Additions

Strike’s Monica Dolan and Beyond Paradise’s Amalia Vitale join Smoggie Queens series 2, bringing their dramatic chops to this campy sitcom.

• Why it matters: Dolan, a BAFTA and Olivier winner, starred as Rose West in Appropriate Adult and earned a BAFTA nod for Mr Bates vs. The Post Office. Vitale, known for Big Mood and Beyond Paradise, adds fresh energy. Their casting elevates the show’s profile, per BBC.

• How it’s done: Dolan, who played Tracey Pritchard in W1A, returns to comedy, while Vitale joins Freya Parker (Lazy Susan) for new roles, likely as quirky locals, per Cornwall Live.

• Common mistakes: Overloading with guest stars risks diluting the main cast’s shine. Fans on X worry newcomers might overshadow Dickie’s one-liners.

• Consequences: If the balance tips, core characters like Sal (Patsy Lowe) could get sidelined, but Dolan’s comedic experience should blend well.

Returning Cast Keeps the Smoggie Family Tight

The core Smoggie Queens cast returns, ensuring the chosen-family vibe that made season 1 a hit stays strong.

• Why it matters: Phil Dunning (Dickie), Mark Benton (Mam), Alexandra Mardell (Lucinda), Patsy Lowe (Sal), and Elijah Young (Stewart) are back, driving the show’s 600,000-episode viewership, per Deadline. Their chemistry is key, per The Guardian.

• How it’s done: The gang navigates new relationships and old bonds in Middlesbrough, with Mam’s drag queen flair and Lucinda’s “hun” energy, per BBC. Michelle Visage and Charlotte Riley also return, per ATV Today.

• Common mistakes: Fans on X note season 1’s Titanic spoof felt too absurd for some, risking alienating viewers who prefer grounded humor.

• Consequences: Over-the-top gags could push away new fans, but the returning cast’s heart, praised by The i Paper, keeps the show relatable.

Production Details: Filming in Middlesbrough

Filming for series 2 began August 4, 2025, in Middlesbrough, with Hat Trick Productions delivering the show’s authentic Northern vibe.

• Why it matters: Shooting in Teesside, including Hartlepool and Thornaby, roots the show in Middlesbrough’s working-class culture, per Teesside Live. Hat Trick, known for Derry Girls, ensures quality.

• How it’s done: Directed by Tom Marshall (Ted Lasso), with Chris Jones producing, the six-episode series uses local spots like Middlesbrough Town Hall, per BBC. Funding from North East Screen supports talent pipelines, per BBC.

• Common mistakes: Season 1’s limited locations felt repetitive to some X fans, who wanted more of Boro’s drag scene.

• Consequences: Skimping on varied settings could make series 2 feel stale, but Hat Trick’s track record suggests a vibrant production.

Why Smoggie Queens’ Queer Representation Resonates

Smoggie Queens celebrates Middlesbrough’s queer community, showing resilience and joy in a post-industrial town, which fans love.

• Why it matters: The show’s focus on chosen family, praised by The i Paper for highlighting queer life outside big cities, drew 600,000 viewers, per Deadline. It’s a rare sitcom with authentic LGBTQ+ voices.

• How it’s done: Stories of Dickie’s dating woes and Sal’s talent show auditions mix humor with heart, per BBC. Visage’s drag cameo adds campy flair, per IMDb.

• Common mistakes: Some X fans felt season 1’s “foul language” humor was overdone, risking alienating non-queer viewers.

• Consequences: Leaning too hard on camp could limit mainstream appeal, but the show’s balance, lauded by Attitude as a top 2024 LGBTQ+ show, keeps it accessible.

Phil Dunning’s Vision and BAFTA Buzz

Phil Dunning, the show’s creator and star, drives Smoggie Queens with his authentic Middlesbrough perspective and award-nominated work.

• Why it matters: Dunning’s three 2025 BAFTA nominations—Male Performance, Writer: Comedy, and Emerging Talent—highlight his talent, per BBC. His local roots ground the show, per Teesside Live.

• How it’s done: Dunning writes sharp one-liners for Dickie while starring as the volatile lead, balancing humor and emotion, per North East Bylines. He told BBC, “Can’t wait to eat parmos with the cast.”

• Common mistakes: Season 1’s emotional finale felt rushed to some X fans, who wanted more depth in Dickie’s arc.

• Consequences: If series 2 rushes key moments, it could lose emotional impact, but Dunning’s nominations suggest he’ll deliver.

What Fans Can Expect from Series 2’s Plot

Series 2 promises more slapstick, new relationships, and chaotic energy, building on season 1’s emotional and comedic highs.

• Why it matters: The synopsis teases new and rekindled relationships, with 600,000 viewers eager for more, per Deadline. Fans on X loved season 1’s “roller coaster” emotions.

• How it’s done: Expect Dickie’s dating drama, Mam’s drag flair, and Stewart’s naive charm, with guest stars like Steph McGovern adding local flavor, per BBC.

• Common mistakes: Season 1’s pacing faltered in episodes like the talent show, per X fans, who felt some gags dragged.

• Consequences: Slow pacing could lose viewers, but the promised “mad antics” and Dolan’s comedic skill should keep it tight.

FAQs

Who are the new stars in Smoggie Queens series 2?
Monica Dolan (Strike, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Amalia Vitale (Beyond Paradise), and Freya Parker (Lazy Susan) join, bringing drama and comedy chops, per BBC.

Which cast members are returning for series 2?
Phil Dunning (Dickie), Mark Benton (Mam), Alexandra Mardell (Lucinda), Patsy Lowe (Sal), Elijah Young (Stewart), Michelle Visage, and Charlotte Riley return, per ATV Today.

When will Smoggie Queens series 2 air?
Broadcast details are TBD, but it’s expected on BBC Three and iPlayer in late 2025, per BBC. Filming began August 4, 2025.

Where is Smoggie Queens series 2 filmed?
Filming takes place in Middlesbrough, including Hartlepool and Thornaby, capturing Boro’s vibe, per Teesside Live.

Why is Smoggie Queens’ representation important?
It showcases queer life in a Northern town, resonating with 600,000 viewers for its authentic, joyful take, per The i Paper.

What awards has Smoggie Queens won?
Season 1 won Best Comedy at RTS North East and Broadcast Digital Awards, with Phil Dunning earning Best Newcomer, per BBC.

Conclusion: Smoggie Queens Series 2 Is a Must-Watch

Smoggie Queens series 2 is shaping up to be a wild ride, with Strike’s Monica Dolan and Beyond Paradise’s Amalia Vitale joining Phil Dunning’s chaotic crew. Filmed in Middlesbrough, the show’s queer pride and slapstick humor, backed by Hat Trick Productions, keep it fresh. With 600,000 viewers and multiple awards, it’s a Northern gem. Stream season 1 on BBC iPlayer, follow the buzz on X, and tell us your favorite Smoggie Queens moment in the comments!