Whey aye, chick, this is absolutely belter news: Smoggie Queens is officially coming back for a third series, with the BBC confirming that the award-winning sitcom will return to BBC Three and BBC iPlayer following its acclaimed second run and digital spin-off The Dickie Show.
Written by and starring Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning, the series follows a fiercely loyal group of friends who are proud of their town and their place within its LGBTQ+ community. Series 3 will bring Dickie (Dunning), Mam (Mark Benton), Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), Sal (Patsy Lowe) and Stewart (Elijah Young) back to the Boro for another round of heart, mischief and unmistakable Smoggie charm.
Further returning and new cast members will be announced at a later date. Previous series have welcomed guest appearances from RuPaul’s Drag Race legend and icon herself Michelle Visage, alongside Steph McGovern, Charlotte Riley and Monica Dolan, so we are very curious to see who might turn up next.
Dunning shared his excitement at the recommission, saying: “So buzzing to be recommissioned for series 3! Thank you BBC! Going to have a cheeky Bloody Mam to celebrate.” Save us one, we’ll join you!
BBC Commissioning Editor Gregor Sharp praised Dunning and the wider creative team, saying the show had carved out a unique place in British comedy through its characters, humour and celebration of Teesside.
The third series will once again consist of six 30-minute episodes and is produced by Hat Trick Productions, the company behind Derry Girls, Outnumbered and Have I Got News for You. Chris Jones is also back as series producer, so we know it is in good hands.
For CultureCues, this is absolutely brilliant news, hon. Smoggie Queens is one of our favourite British comedies, full of heart, drama and exactly the right amount of cheekiness. Series 2 had us laughing so much we nearly bloody fell over! The roasts are legendary and we love just how cut-throat they can all be (we are especially looking at you, Dickie, when it comes to Stewart). At the heart of it, though, Dickie, Mam, Lucinda, Sal and Stewart are a chosen family, and that is what makes the show so special. Knowing they are heading back to the Boro has made our day. Chick, we absolutely cannot wait.
A release date for Smoggie Queens Series 3 has not yet been announced. Series 1 and 2, alongside The Dickie Show, are streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.