He's the genius behind Channel 4’s It’s a Sin, which examined the tragic human story behind the 1980s AIDS crisis - and now Russell T Davies is bringing us another remarkable drama. Enter Tip Toe, the tense suburban thriller that tackles the destructive forces facing the LGBTQ+ community today - and that Channel 4 is calling "gripping" and "full of heart".
The new series, which also has a Happy Valley connection (more on that later), will introduce us to Manchester neighbours who become deadly enemies. Davies will delve into the lived experience of prejudice in today’s world, while also sprinkling the series with his trademark wit and deft humour.
Ahead of the exciting new drama's arrival on our screens, here's everything you need to know about it, including the plot, cast and release date.
What is Tip Toe about?
Channel 4 has described the series as "an urgent yet gripping tale", which explores some of the most corrosive forces facing the LGBTQ+ community today and examines the danger as prejudice creeps back into our lives. Much like It’s a Sin, it’s billed as a “vital story” that speaks not just to the queer community but to the world today.
The five-part drama will follow Leo and Clive who live next door to each other in Manchester. Leo runs a bar on Canal Street, while Clive is an electrician, with two teenage sons. But just as life should be settling down, the world around them is growing more tense.
According to the official synopsis, "Words become weapons, opinions become radicalised, and gradually, two neighbours become deadly enemies in a tense, suburban thriller which challenges everything we consider to be safe."
Russell T Davies, whose most recent Channel 4 drama, It’s a Sin, was a huge hit and became Channel 4’s biggest ever instant boxset on streaming, says: "This is a show I had to write because the world is getting stranger, tougher and darker, and frankly, the fight is on."
Excitingly, Happy Valley’s Nicola Shindler will serve as an executive producer and has shared her delight at being given the chance to tell "such an important drama". She says, "Tip Toe is not just a timely drama, but a captivating story shot through with Russell’s brilliant wit, warmth and devastating poignancy."
Director of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama, Ollie Madden, agrees, calling Tip Toe a "remarkable" new series. “We couldn’t love Tip Toe more: it is funny, gripping, full of heart, and an urgent call to arms,” he says.
Who's in the cast of Tip Toe?
The cast of Tip Toe hasn’t yet been announced, but we’re expecting some news very soon, so watch this space for more details. We do know that the series is being produced by Quay Street Productions, and executive produced by Nicola Shindler (Happy Valley, It’s a Sin), with creator Russell T Davies also serving as an executive producer.
How can I watch Tip Toe?
Channel 4 hasn't yet shared a release date for Tip Toe, but we'd expect to see it on our screens at some point in 2025. As soon as we have a confirmed release date, we'll share it here.
