You may recognise Alexandra Mardell as the award-nominated character Emma Brooker in Coronation Street or from her stellar performance under the glitter ball in Strictly’s Christmas Special in 2022 to name only a few of the brilliant shows she’s appeared in. 

This year, Alexandra adds another one to the list appearing in Phil Dunning’s new BBC comedy Smoggie Queens as Lucinda, the “self-confessed hun with an entrepreneurial spirit”. In our latest interview, we had the pleasure of chatting to Alexandra about all things Smoggie Queens, the beauty of a great ensemble cast and why the UK’s train system is in need of a major revamp. 

You’re starring in a new BBC comedy called Smoggie Queens. What can you tell us about it and what made you say yes to the script?

Smoggie Queens follows rough and ready drag queen Dickie with his weird and wonderful chosen family. The 5 of them are living their best lives, loving and supporting each other through thick and thin while having a silly old time along the way. 

When I first received the script, it had me laugh out loud. Phil Dunning is a comedy genius and he’s thrown it all into Smoggie Queens. I loved that it was set in the north. It was just so silly but relatable and exactly the kind of comedy I personally would love to watch, so I said “yes please”, immediately.

You’ve been in a few comedy shows now. What is it about the genre that stands out for you.

It’s a really special thing to be able to play, laugh, make others laugh and call it work. And who doesn’t love a good laugh. 

I grew up watching sitcoms like Friends on repeat. Comedy is something I am always drawn to and its ability to have different characters that you love so much bouncing off each other. It’s the best. It’s similar with Smoggie Queens. Phil has been so generous in making it a real ensemble piece. It’s a team effort. Some of my favourite moments are when we are working as an ensemble and seeing how these crazy eccentric characters react to one another.

You’re one of the youngest in your family and you’ve spoken about how that dynamic has helped you in previous roles. Has this also helped you when it comes to navigating the entertainment industry?

Although I’m the youngest in my immediate family, no one is ever the youngest for long. Especially in the industry. It has been useful to draw from my experience for roles, but in terms of navigating the industry, I don’t think it helps or hinders.

We all come into it at different ages, different stages in life. I’ve been lucky enough to work with actors of all different ages and stages of their career. Learning from them is what helps me to navigate the industry most.

You’ve also been on Strictly Come Dancing. What did doing a show like that teach you?

I have so much respect for the hard work that the dancers ( the professionals and the celebs) put into the show. It’s not all glitter and lights. It’s a lot of blood, sweat and happy tears. I think it taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone more. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

If you were giving someone tips on how to spend a day in your hometown of Leeds, where and what would you suggest?

I would start off with roaming around the Trinity Centre and Victoria Gate for a bit of shopping, maybe get a coffee in Harvey Nicks brasserie. Then head to The Restaurant Bar & Grill for a lovely lunch, it’s one of my favourites

Then for the real Leeds nightlife experience, it’s time to have a boogie. In your heels and of course no coat, hop from Greek Street to Call Lane to The Freedom Quarter and to Merrion Street. There’s something for everyone. You can even manage all spots in one night! 

Where do you see your career going next? What type of projects do you have on your bucket list?

In this career you just have to go with the flow. You put the work in, and have your goals but it’s important to be flexible. 

I am loving the voice over work I do and hope it continues. I would love to do another drama — maybe a crime or thriller. Something really gritty and dark maybe. And of course, I have everything crossed for more Smoggie Queens. We had the best time over the summer. So fingers crossed we have many more fun filming summers to come.

A dream bonus would have to be The SU2CUK Bake Off.I’m a huge fan of the show and the cause is close to my heart.

If you could revamp anything in the world, what would it be? 

Can I be greedy? I have a few.

I would say the entire railway system in the UK. Trains are too busy, too expensive and too unreliable. I would also love to revamp public toilets in the UK… if there even are any. Can we have some please? Australia is great for that.

But most importantly, we need more humanity. I feel like the world needs a shake on the shoulders. ‘Humanity is the quality of being kind, thoughtful, and sympathetic towards others’. We need more of it worldwide. We need to be more accepting and understanding of each other’s differences. 

Smoggie Queens will air on BBC Three & BBC iPlayer on 28th November.