Alexandra Mardell on Smoggie Queens, Strictly and life after Coronation Street

Former Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell tells us all about her new show, Smoggie Queens, being a Strictly Christmas champ, and life after leaving the cobbles.

What’s your new show, Smoggie Queens, all about?

It’s all about Dickie (played by Phil Dunning) and his fabulous friends. They’re a bunch of misfits in this chosen family supporting each other and having weird and wonderful times. It follows them individually, but also together through thick and thin and it’s a good old laugh! It’s definitely a show that I personally would love to watch. I’m so excited for everyone to see it as well.

Was filming good fun?

It was quite difficult sometimes because we were just having such a laugh. You could hear the crew giggling as well. It did not feel like work at all, but we just had to make sure we got the work done!

How would you describe your character, Lucinda?

She is lavish and loyal and always in purple for some reason. She loves purple and she is the ally of the group, a really good friend. She’s also quite feisty, so don’t get on the wrong side of her. She’s a good egg.

© BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Lara C

Is it a character you enjoyed getting stuck into?

Oh yeah, definitely. Especially with all the hair and costume and make-up, she looks so different to how I normally am. All of that get-up definitely made me feel more Lucinda – I loved it. I was quite lucky, it was only about an hour to get ready but, obviously, when some of the characters are in drag, they’re more like two hours plus.

How important is it that stories of LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in smaller towns and cities, are shown on screen?

It’s definitely still so important because these communities are everywhere, they’re not just in the big cities and everybody needs and deserves representation.

Michelle Visage is guest starring?

We’re really excited she’s part of the show. I didn’t get to work with her, unfortunately. I was so upset! Can I just be written into that scene please? I did meet her and she was even more fabulous in real life, if that’s possible.

© BBC/Hat Trick Productions

Have you enjoyed doing more comedy roles recently?

When I was training, my stronger point was more straight drama. But I love comedy. The Family Pile was such a lovely job. I learned so much from everyone on there and I’m having a great time in the world of sitcom.

You’re a Strictly Christmas champion, how was that experience?

It’s so quick because it’s all done within a week. We only had about four or five rehearsals, and the next minute they’re announcing your name and I’m flying down in a sleigh dancing with Santa! It was just wild. The quickstep was tough. I’m so glad I did it, especially because I have a little trophy now!

© PA

How do you reflect on your time in Coronation Street?

I loved it. As a northern actor it was something I always dreamed of doing. There are so many actors whose careers I have followed that started off at Corrie. Playing Emma was so much fun, but I was ready to explore some other characters. For four years I was just learning ridiculously. The stamina you have to have being there sets you up for the best career. I wanted to broaden my experience and work in other genres. I love auditioning and doing self tapes, getting new scripts and audition scenes. It’s really exciting doing that again.

You have a bit of a family connection to the Spice Girls?

My mum and Mel B’s mum are best friends. As a child that was the dream, being able to go to concerts every so often. I was so young I couldn’t comprehend it was real. Everything they achieved is so inspiring and Melanie as well being from Leeds, being mixed race, she’s somebody that I look up to.

Smoggie Queens begins on Thursday on BBC Three and iPlayer