“The script is brilliant, the costumes are amazing.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage has joined the cast of a new queer BBC drama.
The TV presenter is among the cast of Smoggie Queens alongside Peaky Blinders’ Charlotte Riley, Corrie and Ted Lasso star Bill Fellows, Packed Lunch host Steph McGovern, and comedian Phil Dunning who also wrote the script.
Smoggie Queens has been described as an “out and out comedy” and is set in Middlesbrough, where filming has just wrapped.
A synopsis reads: “Written by Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning, Smoggie Queens tells the story of volatile Dickie (Dunning) along with drag queen Mam (Mark Benton), self-styled hun Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), awkward Sal (Patsy Lowe) and newcomer Stewart (Elijah Young) as they 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!”
Visage has shared her excitement to be involved in the project and revealed a little bit about her character, saying in a statement: “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!”
Riley added: “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.”
Dunning said: “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 cast is rounded out by Peter McPherson, Neil Grainger, Michael Mather, and Lauryn Redding.
An official release date has not been confirmed, but a BBC press release states Smoggie Queens will be released on BBC Three and iPlayer this autumn.