Award-winning BBC series Smoggie Queens has already kicked off filming for a second series and fans are hopeful that we can expect to see many of the original cast returning to reprise their roles.

We already know that BAFTA and Olivier award-winning actress Monica Dolan will be joining the programme for series two. She brings with her a wealth of experience having starred in the likes of Sherwood and Strike.

Monica played the role of Rose West in Netflix's hotly awaited series Appropriate Adult, had a starring role in Wolf Hall to The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe and was nominated for a BAFTA for her part in Mr Bates vs. The Post Office.

Also in the mix for the second series is Death in Paradise actress Amalia Vitale famed for her former role in Big Mood and Freya Parker, who played Suki in One Day.

The BBC have promised that fans can expect to see "more slapstick and silly laughs" in the brand new episodes. Returning to their roles are Dickie (Phil Dunning), Mam (Mark Benton), Lucinda (Alexandra Mardell), Sal (Patsy Lowe) and Stewart (Elijah Young).

Its synopsis reads: "Showing what the North East is made of and the resilience of the queer community, the gang forge ahead with new relationships and rekindle some old ones, all while they cement those chosen family bonds. Expect more mad antics and chaotic energy as the Queens take you on (another) ride of your life!"

Fans will no doubt be excited to learn that the new episodes will also see Drag Race royalty Michelle Visage, Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders), Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso), Michael Hodgson (Vera), Lauryn Redding (Standing At The Sky's Edge), Peter McPherson (In From the Side), Neil Grainger (Hebburn), Michael Mather (It's A Sin) and TV star Steph McGovern, all reprise their roles.

"I'm so happy to see so many of the Smoggie family returning for Series 2, and over the moon to welcome the incredibly talented newbies. Can't wait to make TV and eat parmos with all of them," said the shows creator Phil Dunning in a statement.

The news will no doubt be welcomed by fans who previously hailed the show as "absolutely brilliant" after a stellar first series.

Over on social media platform X, one person penned: "Started watching it by chance. Ep 5, going to go back now and watch the rest - absolutely brilliant"

A second user claimed they ended up watching the entire series in one sitting, adding: "Just binge-watched Smoggie Queens. It was bl***y brilliant.

"It was a roller coaster of emotions but very funny with a great cast, esp Phil Dunning who plays Dickie & also wrote the series."

"Smoggie Queens has done an excellent job of making me laugh this week," read a third comment.

With the news being fresh off the press, we have been left in the dark about a start date and time, with further detail about the show to be released in due course.

Smoggie Queens series one is currently available to download on BBC iPlayer.