Russell T Davies says Tip Toe is ‘natural legacy’ of It’s A Sin as HIV portrayal praised

Russell T Davies has said new Channel 4 series Tip Toe is a “natural legacy” of his 2021 drama It’s A Sin, which followed a group of friends in London at the height of the AIDS crisis.

Tip Toe, which premiered on 31 May, is set in Manchester’s gay village, and stars the likes of Alan Cumming, David Morrissey and Denise Welch. Meanwhile, It’s A Sin, which became the channel’s most-watched drama ever, featured Olly Alexander, Keeley Hawes and Callum Scott Howells, among others.

The emotional series saw the harrowing effects of HIV and AIDS in the UK, and the way perception of it from outside of the gay community.

While It’s A Sin saw Olly Alexander’s Ritchie tragically die after a HIV diagnosis, Tip Toe, set after treatments for HIV were found, sees Alan Cumming’s character Leo living with HIV.

Show writer Davies said: “It’s an honour to portray ALan Cumming’s character, Leo Struthers, as a man living with HIV since 1994. It feels like the natural legacy of It’s A Sin. There wasn’t the time in that show to show the long-term story, that medications were found which saved so many lives. So this feels like a right and proper continuation.

“In my role as patron of the George House Trust, and a supporter of the Terrence Higgins Trust, I’ve often been asked by people in both organisations to show modern-day characters who are HIV+ and living straightforward, happy lives, so it’s an honour to do so in Tip Toe. And there’s some contentious stuff in there too, as the age-old problem of stigma raises its head, as well as the problems of HIV denial. The fight never ends, but Leo’s ready on the front line.”

When It’s A Sin aired in 2021, there was a huge uptake in HIV testing – a record number of 8,207 tests were ordered in one day, compared to the previous record of 2,709.

The Terrence Higgins Trust’s helpline THT Direct, which offers support and advice on HIV and sexual health, saw an increase of 30% in calls the day after the first episode, too.

Richard Angell OBE, the chief executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “No TV series has had a bigger impact of engaging and reengaging the public in the fight against HIV than It’s A Sin. It reminded us all of the devastation of the AIDS crisis and how lucky we are to live at a time when there are highly effective ways to prevent, test for and treat HIV.

“We salute Russell for all his commitment to shining a light on important issues and thank him for doing in Tip Toe what he couldn’t in It’s A Sin, including showing Leo taking one pill a day and living well with HIV three decades on from his diagnosis. That single pill keeps his HIV in check and means he can’t pass HIV on to his sexual partners. HIV is a tiny part of his life – leaving him with plenty of time to run his bar, spend time with friends and even feud with his neighbour.”

George House Trust chief executive Darren Knight added: “Only when people know the facts about HIV will we truly tackle the stigma and discrimination that still persists. Through representation, inclusion and truth, Russell’s writing helps us to reach and educate more people. Tip Toe is another fine example of beaming the facts right into people’s living rooms, tackling prejudice and giving people the knowledge they need about HIV in 2026.

“We thank Russell and everyone involved with Tip Toe for helping to build a world where HIV holds no one back.”

Tip Toe is available to stream on Channel 4, with the final three episodes airing consecutively from 7 June.

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