Channel 4’s ‘Tip Toe’ signals a grim trajectory for its characters
In its first two episodes, Channel 4’s Tip Toe establishes a dire fate for Leo, a gay bar owner portrayed by Alan Cumming, who is ultimately murdered and hanged from a lamp post outside his own house, reports BritPanorama.
Created by Russell T Davies, this drama marks his return to Channel 4 following the success of It’s a Sin, which depicted the struggles of young queer people during the AIDS crisis in 1980s London. The new five-part series transitions to contemporary Manchester, interweaving the lives of Leo and his neighbour Clive, played by David Morrissey, as their relationship deepens under unsettling circumstances.
After years of living next to each other, Leo’s plea for help in the first episode sets off a chain of events leading to his tragic end. The show’s premise reflects societal tensions, highlighting how personal interactions can spiral into violent outcomes.
Davies has noted that his writing for Tip Toe was inspired not only by political figures like Nigel Farage but also by the broader effects of online discourse. “They are just mouthpieces for any cause they can grab hold of. It was the online world generally really,” he explains, expressing dismay at how harmful narratives proliferate across social media platforms. He controversially requested the BBC to stop advertising Doctor Who on X, citing its descent into a “hate platform” under its current ownership.
This ongoing dialogue about prejudice threads through the narrative as Clive’s worldview, heavily influenced by online content, leads him to voice discriminatory views, particularly towards Leo’s transgender employees. Davies emphasises the urgency of addressing the “online trans debate,” questioning the lack of constructive discourse and understanding in current discussions about gender identity.
Davies acknowledges, “I completely accept that there are two sides,” yet laments the absence of research and nuance. Notably, he recounts an encounter with a trans couple who shared their fear of stepping outside, prompting him to take action. “That’s when I decided I had to go and do something,” he states.
Davies has personally felt shifts in public opinion towards the LGBTQ+ community, recalling recent discomforting incidents he has faced. With a hesitation to detail these experiences in media, he expresses concern over perpetuating animosity: “They all happened only in the last five years.”
Peter Hoar, the director of Tip Toe, has similarly faced online vitriol due to prior work featuring gay narratives. He reflected on personal attacks following his acclaimed episode of The Last of Us, illustrating the heightened backlash individuals in the LGBTQ+ community often encounter.
As the series unfolds, it lays bare the homophobic conspiracy theories that continue to link LGBTQ+ identities with predatory behaviours; a harmful trope that persists in far-right discourse. “What’s disrupted here is childhood notions,” Davies remarks, describing the violent reactions that arise when social norms are challenged.
Despite its dark themes, Tip Toe retains elements of queer joy, with scenes set in Leo’s vibrant bar showcasing communal life away from the haunting shadows of violence. Hoar remarks on the beauty of Canal Street, contrasting it with the impending dread. “We wanted Canal Street to be beautiful, because it is – there’s lights and glitter everywhere,” he notes.
Davies, however, rebuffs the notion that he is promoting negativity about LGBTQ+ lives. He maintains that conflict is integral to drama, stating, “Dramas are made of conflict and trouble and stress.” He takes pride in avoiding the more tragic clichés often associated with gay narratives.
Reflecting on the impact of his past works, including positive societal changes following It’s a Sin, Davies remains sceptical about Tip Toe‘s ability to change minds, stating, “It’s an eye-opener,” yet questioning the effectiveness of television in addressing societal issues. He insists the series is relevant to everyone, noting the widespread anger and frustration permeating society, regardless of sexual orientation.
“That’s what we’re talking about here: corrosion,” he concludes.
‘Tip Toe’ continues on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4
