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I TALK TO Alexandra Mardell

"I'm proud to be an honorary Smoggie!"


Best known for playing Emma Brooker in Coronation Street, since leaving the famous cobbles in 2022, Alexandra Mardell has remained a familiar face on our screens, starring in a number of television comedies, including The Family Pile, Daddy Issues and now Smoggie Queens.


Launching this Thursday (28th November) on BBC Three and set in the North East English town of Middlesbrough, Smoggie Queens is about and out comedy centred around a gang of friends who are fiercely proud of their town and their small pocket of the LGBTQ+ community. It's an underdog story on two fronts, so expect a few scraps that may send your wig flying!


Written by Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning, it tells the story of volatile Dickie played by Dunning, along with drag queen Mam played by Mark Benton, awkward Sal played by Patsy Lowe and newcomer Stewart played by Elijah Young and self-styled hun Lucinda played by Alexandra Mardell.


We follow them as they navigate life, acceptance and their love for a place that feels neglected in its own little corner of the UK. You gotta be tough as old boots round these parts to get by and it’s safe to say that ‘passion’ and ‘pride’ are two words that come to our chosen family very easily, as they plunge into mad ventures like Titanic themed drag brunches, fairy godmother speed dating events, murder mysteries or headlining the main stage at Middlesbrough Pride.


I recently caught up with Alexandra Mardell to find out more about playing Lucinda in Smoggie Queens, as well as who she's hoping will win Drag Race UK and if she'll ever return to Weatherfield.


First, it's in the title, what is a Smoggie?


I'm an honorary Smoggie now and I've been told that up in Middlesbrough and around Teeside, the term smoggie used to be quite derogatory, given from people in Newcastle. It's kind of related to all the industry in an Middlesbrough, but now the smoggies have reclaimed it and they're owning it and they call themselves smogies and they're proud to be smoggies! And I'm proud to be an honorary Smoggie!


How would you describe the show, Smoggie Queens?


It is ridiculous and fabulous. It's about five best friends who are just loving life and supporting each other and wanting to have a good old silly time.


This isn't a family sitcom, it's a 'Chosen Family' sitcom. What is that term for anyone who doesn't know? And how does it apply to Smoggie Queens?


A chosen family is a kind of non-biological family, so really close friends, who you just feel comfortable with. They accept you and you accept them and they're your everything. So in Smoggie Queens they're a chosen family in the way that all accept each other and all look out for each other, in a way that their biological families might not, always.


Mam the head of the family looking after us all and and Lucinda is kind of like a big sister to Stewart, a little sister to Dickie, Sal's the bestie girl for Lucinda as well and the all just have their own little individual characters. A bit like the Spice Gilrs.


Tell us about Lucinda then, how would you best describe her?


Lucinda is your classic girly girl. She just wants to make sure everyone's having the best time. She wants to have the best time. Always wants to be glam with the biggest heels and the biggest earrings. She's just out for the fun.


But she is unlucky in love, isn't she? Why do you think that is?


Yeah, she does struggle a little bit and I think she starts to have a little wobble where she thinks "Oh, is it me?" but Mam straight away is like "No, you are fabulous. You keep being you, hun." and then she comes across Neil...



Is Neil Mr Right or Mr Right Now?


Well, he isn't her normal type, but I think that's good for Lucinda. He's clearly so caring, so down to Earth and that's just what she needs. He fits right in with the group and I think, yeah, I don't think he's just Mr Right Now, I think there's a special bond between Neil and Lucinda.


What was it like filming in Middlesbrough? It plays a massive part in the show, doesn't it?


Yeah, the locals were so excited to have something filmed right in their home time, where they're so proud of. Phil (Dunning) the writer, often describes Middlesbrough as like the sixth character of the group. It's so important that it was set there.


For me, anything in the north, I'm like straight drawn to and really proud of and you could just see how proud all the people were when they'd see us filming in the streets. And how proud all the cast members were. A lot of the crew were also from up there, so it really felt very special to be there.


Are you similar to Lucinda in any way?


In some ways. I'd like to think that I'm a very loyal friend, like she is. I think sometimes our faces give away what we really might be thinking. She's a bit more outgoing and glam than I am, I think


Are there parts of her character you wish you were a bit more like?


Yeah, I think she's a bit of a free spirit and she's like "Yeah let's just go with the flow." whereas I'm definitely more of an overthinker. Everything must be prepared. A bit of Lucinda's fluidity would be nice.


What was it like when you first saw Mark Benton in his full make-up and outfit? He looks amazing!


Unrecognisable! He looks beautiful! Literall,y the hair and make-up team were just incredible. You couldn't help but stare at him, because he just looks amazing. What's really strange, is we'd see him in drag for hours and hours on end and then he'd just walk into a restaurant, if we'd gone out for dinner, as himself and you'd be like, "Oh, Mark! Where's your make-up?!"



Your character also has some great outfits, what's been your favourite look?


All the costumes are just incredible. Every time we had a new story day, we'd all get together and we'd all just be excited to see what everyone was gonna be wearing. I think for me, my favourite was probably the Pride episode. I had this ridiculously long-flowing hair and then I had sequined wings on my back and all this fabulous eye shadow. I think a lot of the Pride costumes through all the cast, were really special.


Speaking of the Pride episode, you all get to sing, and can I say, you have an incredible voice...


Aw thank you. I do love to sing. Lucinda has a bit of karaoke in episode one as well. She was meant to be a bit tipsy and I was like "Oh no, those notes sound terrible. I hope people don't think I really sing like that!" So it sounds like I pulled it back by the end of the series, thanks!


Speaking of karaoke, what's your go-to karaoke song?


I love Cher, Believe. That's up there every time!


What's a memorable moment on set for you?


There are so many! But there was one, where we were filming in this horse and cart and the cart went up on the curb and kind of tipped to the side and we were all in there. with our prosecco! Well, nosecco. It was a kind of momentwhere we were like, "Oh, don't spill your bubbles guys!" It was so funny!


What about some of your favourite scenes?


From filming it, one of my favourite scenes has to be in the Pride episode, at the end where Sal has her very special moment... I won't ruin it for you. Most of the cast were all just there watching her and no acting was required. We were all just so in the moment, so emotional, so that was definitely one of my favourite scenes.

Michelle Visage has quite a big guest role in Smoggie Queens, were you disappointed you didn't get to work with her?


Yeah, I am. But the first time I saw Michelle, I was filming a different scene and I walked into the green room and Michelle and Phil were lip-syncing to Dreamgirls. Michelle dressed as Elaine and I walked in like "What is going on?! This is so surreal!"


Speaking of Michelle Visage, Smoggie Queens launches straight after this year's Drag Race UK final. Are you a fan and who do you want to win?


Oh yes, I am! I love it. I'm also watching the Down Under one as well. But UK winner? It's got to be La Voix. She's from Teeside so I'm going to have to back her!


How important is it for there to be such an LGBTQ+ positive comedy on television, and why, in 2024, is this still a rarity and something to comment on?


I think Smoggie Queens is definitely going to be one that's going to stand out. I think things are getting a little better with things like Heartstopper and Sex Education as well. But you know, this is just the beginning. We literally need to show the real world. These people, we exist. We need to just show everybody's differences and the diversities that represent the real world. Why not?!


We need to just keep telling these stories. This is the beginning. It's definitely improving, but there's still a way to go.


That being said, this isn’t just for LGBTQ+ audiences. It's for everyone, isn't it?


Gosh, yeah! These characters are so relatable. It's ultimately just about five friends, so you'd like to think everyone who's anyone can relate to having a laugh with their friends.


What have been some of your favourite television comedies over the years?


I mean, recently, I've loved Alma's Not Normal. She's just brilliant! Actually, it's the same director that we had, Andrew Chaplin. But shows like Benidorm as well. LOVED Benidorm. I think I'm a bit of a sucker for a northern comedy!


What else have you been enjoying on television recently?


I have been watching The Penguin. Incredible. His walk. His voice. Obviously, the prosthetics. That is amazing television. Love that.


Lucinda is described as a self-styled hun. Who's your favourite hun?


Favourite hun? Hmm... do you know who always makes me giggle? Vanessa Feltz. She's such a classic hun.


She's also a beautician in Smoggie Queens, did your time as an apprentice in Audrey's salon in Corrie help you?


I've had a promotion now! Haha. I definitely remembered some of the skills of how to make yourself look busy. So yeah, it definitely helped.


Speaking of Corrie, the last time we saw Emma she left with Ted for Australia… could you ever see her coming back?


Well they always say never say never, don't they? The last I heard, I think Emma had gone to Paris or something. So maybe she's on her way back? But no, not at the minute. I'm very very lucky that I've been very busy since I left. I think Emma's travels need to go on for a bit longer.


I've still been tuning in every so often because I know they've had some massive storylines and I've still got some friends over there that I love to support and see what fabulous things they're doing. I


Leaving a regular soap job isn't an easy decision as an actor, but thankfully you've not stopped working. Looking back, was that a difficult decision?


Yeah, the time that I had on Corrie was incredible, but I was ready to investigate other characters and have fun with them. And as you say, I have been very lucky. So far, so good! No regrets at all. I love playing other parts and I love auditioning.


What would you love to do in your career that you haven't had the opportunity to do yet?


I'd love to do something a bit darker, like play a character that's perhaps not as likable as the ones I've played so far. That would be an interesting thing to explore.


What about Strictly? You won the Christmas Special in 2022 with the brilliant Kai. Would you like to do the full series?


I think it's best to leave it on a high. I'm technically a Strictly winner, so I think I'll leave it there for now. I've got my trophy.


Smoggie Queens launches Thursday at 10.10pm on BBC Three

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