Phil Dunning (Dickie)
How does it feel to be back for series two? Does it feel different approaching the series following series one’s hit success?
It feels amazing to be back with the Smoggie Queens family. Coming into the second series, there’s definitely a different vibe. With series one, so much of the process was about discovery: figuring out the tone, learning who the characters are, and developing the Smoggie world. The nice thing about coming into series two is that we all knew the tone of our characters, so it felt like there was more time for playing about with the comedy.
What has the response been like to Smoggie Queens so far?
The response has been so joyful. The show and the characters really seemed to have connected with people in the best way. I’ve been overwhelmed by the lovely messages people have sent.
You were nominated for three BAFTAs for series one, can you tell us what that meant to you?
It meant the world to get that recognition. It was an out of body experience when I found out about the nominations. There’s no way in a million years that I expected it, and I still can’t really believe it happened to be honest.
Where do we find Dickie at the start of series two?
We find Dickie pretty much where we left off. He’s still a bitter old queen towards Stewart but has come to terms with him being in the friendship group. He’s also still dealing with his fluctuating emotions towards his ex-boyfriend, Harrison.
Dickie’s search for love continues this series, how would Dickie describe himself on his dating profile?
“Gorgeous and sexy, mid to late 20’s gay lad looking for equally sexy men for dates”.
What was the writing process like for the characters this time, did you already know where you were going to take them?
I had a rough idea of where the characters journeys would take them, but nothing was concrete. Before I started writing the scripts, myself and my Series Producer, Chris, sat in a room together and worked out the plot and outline for each episode. It’s difficult trying to narrow it down to six 30-minute episodes as I feel like there are so many directions and situations that we could explore. It felt slightly easier and less lonely when I started putting pen to paper for series 2 as I could really hear the characters voices in my head.
Do you have a favourite moment or scene that you've shot in the series?
I love a camp movie genre pastiche and episode 5 is all very film noir which gave us the excuse to be completely over the top and melodramatic. So all of the dramatic scenes from episode 5 would probably be my favourite moments.
Viewers can expect to see some incredible costumes again this series, do you have a favourite look from series two?
Detective Sexy returns for series 2 and I love that costume. But in episode 3 we have a Wizard of Oz theme in which I play a slutty Tin Man and I think this costume might take the top prize.
Mark Benton (Mam)
How does it feel to be back for series two? Does it feel different approaching the series following series one’s hit success?
I am so thrilled to be back doing a second series. Coming back was a joy. The show feels like it’s moved up a gear, and we are doing even more wild and wonderful stuff. Phil’s writing is so much fun and now he knows everyone and their characters so well, he writes specific things for us.
Where do we find Mam at the start of series two?
Well in series one we discovered that Mam has a son that she’s never told anyone about and we meet another major figure from her past in this series…her ex-wife, played by Monica Dolan.
Tell us about filming those scenes with Monica Dolan.
Monica Dolan as well as being a dear friend of mine is also one of the best actors in the world in my opinion. When you work with a close friend you immediately have a shorthand. Monica is so easy to work with and a very intelligent and thoughtful actor who is also very funny. What more could you ask for!
How do you get into character as Mam?
Well, it might sound strange but it’s the nails. I spend a couple of hours in make-up and then costume which is transformative but when I put the nails on, I suddenly start to move like Mam and even think like her!
Do you have a favourite moment or scene that you've shot in the series?
It’s hard to pick a favourite moment because when we’re all together filming is the most wonderful, joyous, riotous thing. If I had to pick, I would say playing a football manager and speaking Spanish in episode 4, or the introduction of Inspector Voluptuous in episode 5.
Viewers can expect to see some incredible costumes again this series, do you have a favourite look from series two?
I think Ryan our costume designer has excelled this series. I think my favourite costume would be Inspector Voluptuous with her tiny pipe.
Alexandra Mardell (Lucinda)
How does it feel to be back for series two? Does it feel different approaching the series following series one’s hit success?
Series two couldn’t have come quick enough! We were all so excited to get the gang back together on and off screen. After series one was so well received, we couldn’t wait to go even bigger and crazier this time round!
Where do we find Lucinda at the start of series two?
Lucinda’s sassy hun self has levelled up for sure. She’s still the gang’s biggest cheerleader but this time round Lucinda and Dickie have a few ‘sibling’ squabbles!
Lucinda and Neil have come a long way since series one, what can you tell us about their relationship going into series two?
Yes! Lucinda and Neil are going strong and are enjoying each other’s company within the craziness of the gang. But it’s not all smooth sailing! Unfortunately, Neil’s friends aren’t as supportive as Lucinda’s!
In episode 4, Mam hosts a charity football match where celebrity look-a-likes compete with semi-professional footballers. As well as Lucinda, you also play Pablo Corzello, a male Spanish professional footballer, how was that to film?
Madness! In the best way. I absolutely loved it! I would keep forgetting I was made up as ‘Pablo’ be chatting away to cast and crew, catch my reflection then burst out laughing! It was so surreal.
Do you have a favourite moment or scene that you've shot in the series?
I think episode two at the Italian restaurant was one of my favourites to shoot! You’ll see why!
Viewers can expect to see some incredible costumes again this series, do you have a favourite look from series two?
I am always so lucky with Lucinda’s costumes! They are outfits I would never personally wear but I LOVE that I get to wear them as Lucinda. The makeup the hair the heels everything!
Ep 5 Lucinda’s has a HUGE fluffy jumper which I loved! Purple of course. But the showstopper of the series has to be Dickie’s Tin Man! That is just iconic!
Patsy Lowe (Sal)
How does it feel to be back for series two?
I'm beyond delighted to be back with the gang. We have such a laugh together so it's an absolute treat to go to work each day. I love how our characters storylines are evolving too. This series we are getting up to all sorts!
Does it feel different approaching the series following series one’s hit success?
It's just amazing that people are enjoying it as much as we do, and that we get to go again!
Where do we find Sal at the start of series two?
At the start of series two, Sal is balancing a friendship with Mel whilst still in a relationship with Danni, which becomes a bit tricky.
Do we find Sal still in the middle of a love triangle with Danni (Charlotte Riley) and Mel (Lauryn Redding)?
No spoilers from me! But it does get a bit spicy!
How do you think Sal has changed from series one?
Her confidence has definitely grown since the first series, but there's no fundamental changes to our Sal. She's still wonderfully weird.
Do you have a favourite moment or scene that you've shot in the series?
Amongst all the madness, Sal and Lucinda have a gorgeous heart to heart in a sea of Keith's greige carpets. Lucinda speaks fluent Sal and I just love their relationship.
Viewers can expect to see some incredible costumes again this series, do you have a favourite look from series two?
Well, it has to be the cowardly lion doesn't it. Put em up, put em up!
Elijah Young (Stewart)
How does it feel to be back for series two? Does it feel different approaching the series following series one’s hit success?
Getting to film series two felt like returning to summer camp. Literally spending seven weeks with your mates just laughing and occasionally dressing up. I think we were all super excited about the idea of making series two bigger and better. Phil’s writing continues to be hilarious and heartfelt but also epic, straight out the gate. Every part of the show is elevated, and you could feel that even from filming.
Where do we find Stewart at the start of series two?
Stewart is now fully out and proud, living with Mam and still working shifts at the wonderful Keith’s World of Carpets. After the journey he went on leading to him finally coming out at the end of series one, he’s now ready for what his new life, as his authentic self, has in store.
How do you think Stewart has changed from series one?
He has definitely built in confidence and finally feels comfortable to be himself. I'd say he's now in what a lot of queer people refer to as the second puberty - there’s subtle things like his frosted tips or his fashion sense that really show his personal growth and how he’s exploring his queerness. In terms of his relationship to the gang, I think before he was seen as the newbie in the group but now he’s the younger sibling in this chosen family.
Do you have a favourite moment or scene that you've shot in the series?
I remember filming a scene early on in the shoot and it was the first time the full gang were in a scene together for series two and it took forever to film because we were having too much fun, we kept messing up the props and we were probably a bit giddy. After the first take, Mark turned to us all and said, “Now it feels like we’re back.” This scene definitely has the best outtakes, hands down.
Viewers can expect to see some incredible costumes again this series, do you have a favourite look from series two?
Dickie’s “Tin Woman” costume in episode three is my winner and I think it’ll be a fan favourite for series two. It was hard to take your eyes off, the general public in Middlesbrough town centre definitely struggled to. But there’s truly some brilliant looks in every episode of the new series. I always loved getting in the car and heading to set with all the gang on a Monday and getting to see what new look everyone had for that week.
