Everything we know about Russell T Davies’ new drama Tip Toe as first images released

Dec 15
Written by Emily Maskell

Tip Toe still: Alan Cumming as Leo being pinned against the wall by David Morrissey as Clive

First images of Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe are revealed. (Channel 4)

First images of Russell T Davies' Tip Toe are revealed. (Channel 4)

Channel 4 has released first-look images of It’s A Sin‘s Russell T Davies’ much-anticipated drama Tip Toe. The “vivid, funny and dynamic” show stars Avengers’ Alan Cumming and Sherwood’s David Morrissey.

The new images reveal Alan Cumming as Leo, who owns a bar called Spit & Polish in Manchester’s Gay Village. Additionally, we see Morrissey as Clive, Leo’s “unsmiling and troubled” next-door neighbour.

The first-look images show Cumming standing outside his gay bar in the evening. Fairy lights and Pride flags are hanging behind him on the street. Meanwhile, Morrissey is leaning against the door of a car, staring right at the camera.

Furthermore, there’s a first look at the tension between the two men. The image shows Clive threateningly pinning Leo to the wall with a hand on his chest.

The press release also announces that the project is in its “final week of filming.”

Davies said: “We’re in the final days of filming, and I’m so excited for 2026 – this show has some of the finest acting I’ve ever seen, from the most splendid cast, and I can’t wait for it to hit Channel 4.”

Alan Cumming as Leo standing on a street with gay bars behind him at night, Pride flags and ligths — Alan Cumming stars as Leo in *Tip Toe*. (Channel 4)

Who is in Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe cast?

Alan Cumming as Leo and David Morrissey as Clive lead the impressive cast. Starring alongside them is Moonflower Murders’ Pooky Quesnel as Clive’s wife Marie.

Also, Masters of the Air star Jackson Connor and The Map That Leads To You actor Joseph Evans will play his sons, George and Saul.

Furthermore, Lost Boys & Fairies actress Elizabeth Berrington will play Leo’s best friend Stephanie, while Hollyoaks’ Iz Hesketh and CATS star Shakeel Kimotho will play Zee and Hanna, who work at Leo’s bar.

Wednesday actor Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo will play the bar’s manager Judy, and Doctor Who star Charlie Condou will play Leo’s ex-husband Curtis.

Finally, Loose Women icon Denise Welch is also said to feature.

David Morrissey as Clive leaning up against a car door. — The five-part series is about “the most corrosive forces facing the LGBTQ+ community today.” (Channel 4)

What is the plot of Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe?

In a Channel 4 video announcement, Davies described Tip Toe as the “toughest thing” he had “ever written”.

He explained: “It’s just everything I think about the modern world, everything that’s boiling up in us today every time you watch the news, every time you speak to your friends or your family or have a debate about what’s happening, all rising up in the shape of a suburban thriller.”

The five-part series is said to be about “the most corrosive forces facing the LGBTQ+ community today.”

The show synopsis reads: “Leo and Clive who have lived next door to each other in Manchester for almost 15 years. But just as life should be settling down, the world around them is growing more tense.

“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.

“The series, populated with a cast of vibrant characters and underscored with Davies’ trademark wit and deft humour, is an urgent tale that brings a spotlight to bear on the prejudices which are creeping back into our lives.”

Cumming exclusively told PinkNews that “it’s a very powerful story” with “such brilliant writing.”

He also shared that he and Morrissey had some “really intense” scenes together. He added: “it’s lovely to do that with someone you love and know, because it really is a lot.”