'Brilliant' BBC sitcom to return to air with Death in Paradise star in line up

The acclaimed BBC series, Smoggie Queens, has already begun filming its second series, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of many original cast members.

BAFTA and Olivier award-winning actress Monica Dolan is confirmed to join the programme for its second series. She boasts an impressive acting portfolio, having starred in popular shows such as Sherwood and Strike.

Monica portrayed Rose West in Netflix's highly anticipated series Appropriate Adult, held a leading role in Wolf Hall to The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, and received a BAFTAnomination for her performance in Mr Bates vs. The Post Office. Also joining the second series is Death in Paradise actress Amalia Vitale, known for her previous role in Big Mood, and Freya Parker, who played Suki in One Day.

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The BBC have assured fans that they can look forward to "more slapstick and silly laughs" in the brand new episodes. Returning to their roles are Dickie (Phil Dunning), Mam (Mark Benton), Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), Sal (Patsy Lowe) and Stewart (Elijah Young), reports the Express.

The show's synopsis reveals: "Showing what the North East is made of and the resilience of the queer community, the gang forge ahead with new relationships and rekindle some old ones, all while they cement those chosen family bonds. Expect more mad antics and chaotic energy as the Queens take you on (another) ride of your life!"

Supporters will undoubtedly be thrilled to discover that the fresh episodes will feature Drag Race legend Michelle Visage, Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders), Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso), Michael Hodgson (Vera), Lauryn Redding (Standing At The Sky's Edge), Peter McPherson (In From the Side), Neil Grainger (Hebburn), Michael Mather (It's A Sin) and television personality Steph McGovern, all returning to their characters.

"I'm so happy to see so many of the Smoggie family returning for Series 2, and over the moon to welcome the incredibly talented newbies. Can't wait to make TV and eat parmos with all of them," said the shows creator Phil Dunning in a statement.

The announcement will certainly be celebrated by admirers who previously praised the programme as "absolutely brilliant" following an outstanding debut series.

On social media platform X, one viewer wrote: "Started watching it by chance. Ep 5, going to go back now and watch the rest - absolutely brilliant". Another fan revealed they consumed the entire series in a single session, commenting: "Just binge-watched Smoggie Queens. It was bl***y brilliant.

"It was a roller coaster of emotions but very funny with a great cast, esp Phil Dunning who plays Dickie & also wrote the series. "Smoggie Queens has done an excellent job of making me laugh this week," appeared in a third response.

Given the announcement is hot off the press, we remain uninformed regarding a launch date and schedule, with additional information about the programme to be revealed shortly. The first series of Smoggie Queens is currently available for download on BBC iPlayer.

Smoggie Queens series one is currently available to download on BBC iPlayer.