Russell T Davies is set to make a triumphant return to Channel 4 with Tip Toe, a brand-new drama that promises to be both timely and compelling. Best known for It’s A Sin, Queer as Folk, Years and Years, and Doctor Who, Davies is once again tackling thought-provoking queer themes, this time exploring the growing tensions and threats facing the LGBTQ+ community today.
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Produced by Quay Street Productions, the five-part series will be helmed by director Peter Hoar, who previously worked with Davies on It’s A Sin and Nolly. The show follows two Manchester neighbours, Leo and Clive—one a bar owner on Canal Street, the other an electrician with teenage sons. As societal tensions rise, their once-stable lives unravel, transforming them from neighbours into bitter enemies in a thriller that reflects modern-day divisions.
Reflecting on the necessity of telling this story, Davies said: “It’s my honour to combine my old home, Channel 4, with my second home, Canal Street. This is a show I had to write because the world is getting stranger, tougher and darker, and frankly, the fight is on.”
The series marks a significant moment in British television, bringing back the creative team behind Queer as Folk to tell a new, urgent story set in Manchester’s iconic LGBTQ+ hub. Nicola Shindler, executive producer, praised Davies’ storytelling, calling Tip Toe “a captivating story shot through with his brilliant wit, warmth, and devastating poignancy.”
Channel 4 has described the drama as an “urgent call to arms”, one that blends gripping storytelling with humour, heart, and social commentary. With casting yet to be announced, anticipation is already high for what is sure to be another groundbreaking series from one of British television’s most influential writers.
Further Watching—If You Can’t Wait for Tip Toe, Check These Out:
- Relive Russell T Davies’ greatest hits—It’s A Sin was a game-changer in LGBTQ+ storytelling. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it on Amazon or Apple TV or you can even get the DVD on Amazon or the Blu-Ray version.
- Go back to where it all began—Queer as Folk shook up British TV in 1999 and remains a cultural touchstone. Get the box set on DVD at Amazon or stream it on Apple TV.
- Looking for more gripping TV dramas? Years and Years is a must-watch dystopian thriller that feels more relevant than ever. Stream it on Apple TV, stream it on Amazon or, even better, grab the DVD boxset from Amazon.
Shop the Story—Books That Capture the Tip Toe Vibe
- Discover how Russell T Davies changed television—”Gay Aliens and Queer Folk: How Russell T Davies Changed TV” by Emily Garside takes a deep dive into his groundbreaking storytelling, from Queer as Folk to Doctor Who and It’s a Sin. Get it from Amazon, Bookshop or Waterstones.
- Step inside the scripts that brought Doctor Who back to life—”Doctor Who: The Shooting Scripts” features the full scripts from the iconic 2005 revival, including seven by Russell T Davies. With behind-the-scenes insights from the writers, this book is a must-have for fans of the Time Lord’s return. Get it from Amazon.
- The show that changed LGBTQ+ TV forever—now in script form. “Queer as Folk”: The Scripts includes the full, uncut scripts from the groundbreaking first series, plus never-before-seen scenes. Relive the drama, humour, and heart of Russell T Davies’ iconic show. Get your copy from Amazon.