Top-tier British drama: If you only watch one thing this week, make it Channel 4’s brilliant Tip Toe

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Five years after the critically acclaimed drama It’s a Sin captivated audiences with its powerful portrayal of queer life, Russell T Davies returns with a new LGBTQ+ series for Channel 4 called Tip Toe.

Given the huge impact of It’s a Sin, comparisons were bound to happen, and there are definitely some similarities. However, Tip Toe is a powerful and important show in its own right, perfectly capturing the feelings of this particular moment. The timing of its release, right at the start of Pride month, makes it even more meaningful.

The story follows Leo Struthers, a gay bar owner in Manchester’s Canal Street, and Clive Goss, a married father of two, as they navigate life in 2026. Despite their very different lives, the two men are neighbors.

Both Cumming and Morrissey deliver strong performances in their roles, but Cumming truly shines, giving a remarkable performance that may be the best of his career. He portrays all the complexities of his character, Leo, with incredible depth.

Clive and Leo are both facing challenges as the world changes rapidly. Leo is disheartened by a resurgence of intolerance, which reminds him of the homophobia he battled in the 80s and early 90s, and he’s feeling worn down. He’s also navigating a new chapter in life as a single man in his 60s, following the end of a long-term relationship.

Clive is going through a difficult time after losing his job. He’s finding it hard to support his family and has become distant from his wife. He’s also keeping his feelings of failure to himself, making it hard to express what he’s going through.

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Both Leo and Clive are older and struggling to connect with younger generations. However, they handle this challenge differently: Leo tries to understand with kindness, even if he doesn’t always succeed, while Clive lets his views be negatively influenced by the internet and its algorithms.

The new show, Tip Toe, arrives at a moment when many series – like Adolescence and Half Man – are tackling tough issues. It explores themes of harmful masculinity, the risks of social media and misinformation, and the rise in violent behavior, all in an attempt to understand the challenges we face today.

Of course, Tip Toe has a very unique and distinctive queer dimension to bring to the table.

The first episode begins with a striking shot of Calico Road, home to Leo and Clive, showcasing the grief-stricken faces of many characters from the show Tip Toe. The cast, largely comprised of new actors, is particularly strong.

The camera then pans to show feet hanging from a lamppost. While this image is disturbing and potentially upsetting for some viewers, it powerfully establishes a sense of realism and keeps you feeling anxious throughout all five episodes of the series.

“Tip Toe” is intentionally jarring and outspoken, and it’s justified in being so. However, beneath its powerful message, the story also feels incredibly genuine. A simple look or a slight change in atmosphere can completely alter the impact, revealing a depth that resonates throughout.

It’s clear things are getting harder for LGBTQ+ people, and many feel we’re either facing a crisis or already in one. This is especially true for transgender and non-binary individuals, who have long faced the greatest challenges.

In the UK, where this story takes place, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are becoming increasingly negative. ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, which measures LGBTQ+ rights across Europe, shows the UK has fallen to 22nd place – a significant drop after years of worsening conditions. The UK used to be a leader in this area.

Russell T Davies, the creative force behind shows like the iconic Queer as Folk and the prescient Years and Years, is tackling important conversations again with his new show, Tip Toe. It’s airing at 9pm, making it accessible to a wide audience across the UK.

In Tip Toe, the character Melba, played by Paul Rhys, helps connect the audience to the story. He delivers key lines of dialogue that reveal the film’s central theme and overall message.

The first episode opens with Leo and Melba comfortably at home on Canal Street, looking back on how things have changed by 2026.

Leo wonders if the negativity they faced in the 1990s will return, recalling a time when people strongly disliked them.

“It’s happening again,” Melba said directly. “It’s here… a huge wave is crashing down on us right now.”

I’m openly and proudly myself,” Melba says, “but I’ve become more cautious over the last few years.

“I used to walk into a room and just go ‘ta, da!’, now I tip toe, just in case.”

Okay, so “Tip Toe” is actually anything but subtle! It’s not quiet or delicate at all – it’s really making a statement and demands you listen up. As a fan, I love that it’s so bold and in your face!

The first two episodes of ‘Tip Toe’ are currently available on Channel 4. The third episode will air on Sunday, June 7th at 9pm.

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2026-06-01 16:20