Smoggie Queens creator Phil Dunning will also star as Dickie, an unpredictable young performer handling life, love and Middlesbrough patriotism alongside Mam the drag queen (Mark Benton, Shakespeare & Hathaway), Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell, Coronation Street), Sal (Patsy Lowe) and Stewart (Elijah Young).

With filming wrapped, it has been revealed that Michelle Visage and Peaky Blinders’ Charlotte Riley have signed up – Visage as an office admin named Elaine, and Riley in an undisclosed role. Also undisclosed is whether New Jersey-native Visage will be attempting a Yorkshire accent.

Also joining the Middlesbrough drag monarchy are Lauryn Redding (Standing At The Sky's Edge), Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso), Michael Mather (It’s A Sin), Peter McPherson (In From the Side), Neil Grainger (Hebburn) and Steph’s Packed Lunch presenter Steph McGovern.

Smoggie Queens promises to be an all-out comedy with an underdog story.

Visage says: "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 says: “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.”

Smoggie Queens will air on BBC Three and iPlayer in Autumn 2024.