Tip Toe on Channel 4: Plot, location, and start date of Russell T Davies' new 'suburban thriller'
Dan Seddon | 3:28pm Fri 12 SepRussell T Davies, the great shepherd behind two incarnations of Doctor Who, is switching time-travel for suburban toxicity in a new Channel 4 show titled Tip Toe.
This will mark the award-winning screenwriter’s fourth collaboration with the broadcaster, following Queer as Folk, Cucumber, and 2021’s heartbreaking It’s a Sin.
If witty, sharp-edged social realism is right up your street, then this upcoming thriller could well be one for the watchlist. Here’s everything you need to know about Tip Toe on Channel 4 – including plot, cast, start date, location, and number of episodes. Read on for all the latest news…
What’s the plot of Tip Toe on Channel 4?
Channel 4 describes Tip Toe as an “urgent, captivating and exciting” thriller. The action floats around neighbours who live in Manchester.
The official synopsis tells us: “The series will follow 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.”
Tip Toe’s story “brings a spotlight to bear on the prejudices which are creeping back into our lives”.
How many episodes will there be?
Just like It’s a Sin before it, Russell T Davies’ latest piece of TV work will spread across five episodes in total.
We’re expecting each instalment to last for an hour, including adverts.
Tip Toe filming locations
The upcoming show started rolling the cameras in Manchester this month (September 2025).
Peter Hoar, who most recently directed episodes of HBO’s The Last of Us, is calling the shots.
Who’s in the cast?
Alan Cumming portrays Leo in the cast of Tip Toe on Channel 4. Owner of the Gay Village bar Spit & Polish, Leo is described as vivid, funny and dynamic.
Scottish actor Alan is now widely recognised for presenting the American version of murder-mystery reality series The Traitors. Other standout credits include X-Men, GoldenEye, Eyes Wide Shut, Spy Kids, and The Good Wife.
He said: “The best things in life are worth waiting for, and the best people. Russell T Davies and I have been trying to work together for over 20 years.
“Now, not only are we working together but doing so with one of my dearest, oldest friends, Dave Morrissey. And in a piece of work I think is so brilliant and prescient and necessary.”
David Morrissey co-leads as the “unsmiling” Clive. Of course, he’s best known for Sherwood, The Walking Dead, and The Long Shadow.
Tip Toe’s supporting players include Pooky Quesnel (Moonflower Murders) as Clive’s wife Marie, and Masters of the Air’s Jackson Connor as his youngest son George.
Joseph Evans (The Map That Leads to You) is onboard as Clive’s eldest boy Saul, while Virdee‘s Elizabeth Berrington plays Leo’s best mate Stephanie.
Iz Hesketh (Renegade Nell), Shakeel Kimotho (CATS musical), Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo (Wednesday), Paul Rhys (Saltburn), Charlie Condou (The Madame Blanc Mysteries), and Loose Woman Denise Welch also appear.
When’s the start date?
Channel 4 has not yet confirmed a start date for Tip Toe.
However, as it’s just started filming, we won’t be expecting it until 2026 at the earliest.
How can I watch Tip Toe?
Channel 4 and its streaming service 4OD will be handling the UK broadcast of Tip Toe.
ITV Studios is responsible for international distribution.
