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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”BBC Revives Beloved Comedies After Years!” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6353504918112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]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.”
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.