A New LGBTQ+ Drama Is Coming From It’s A Sin Creator Russell T Davies

When It’s A Sin aired at the start of 2021, it became an instant (if devastating) hit. While its creator Russell T Davies is perhaps best known for his work reviving Doctor Who in 2005, the gay screenwriter is at his most impactful when he’s breaking boundaries and bringing very real LGBTQ+ stories and issues to the fore. Before It’s A Sin, this included Queer As Folk (1999–2000), Bob & Rose (2001), and Cucumber, Banana and Tofu (2015). Next? Tip Toe: a brand new LGBTQ+ series commissioned by Channel 4. Here’s everything we know so far.

Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe: Plot, Cast, Release Date & More

What Is Tip Toe About?

Tip Toe will delve into ‘the most corrosive forces facing the LGBTQ+ community today, examining the danger as prejudice creeps back into our lives,’ Channel 4 teases. Described as ‘a tense, suburban thriller’, across five episodes, we will follow the story of Manchester neighbours Leo and Clive. Leo runs a bar on Canal Street, and Clive is an electrician with two teenage sons – and all are navigating the increasingly tense world unfolding around them. ‘Problems we thought were long-gone are returning, toughened and weaponised, until no one knows the truth from lies any more,’ Channel 4 explains. ‘Words become weapons, opinions become radicalised, and gradually, two neighbours become deadly enemies.’

‘It’s my honour to combine my old home, Channel 4, with my second home, Canal Street,’ Davies said on the news, referring to his coming of age of sorts in Manchester’s gay scene. ‘This is a show I had to write because the world is getting stranger, tougher and darker, and frankly, the fight is on.’

As the real world edges closer to being caustic, Davies’ drama delves into the lived experience of today’s re-emergence of prejudice. But it’s not all dark: the famed writer will inject Tip Toe with some of the wit and deft humour he is known for.

‘I am so pleased to be back working with Russell at Channel 4, and to be given the chance to tell such an important story,’ Tip Toe’s executive producer Nicola Shindler shares. ‘Tip Toe is not just a timely drama, but a captivating story shot through with Russell’s brilliant wit, warmth and devastating poignancy.’

‘It is a huge privilege to back this remarkable new series from Russell, one of the greatest writers of our time, and the man behind some of our most era-defining hits, including Queer as Folk and It’s A Sin,’ says Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama. ‘We couldn’t love Tip Toe more: it is funny, gripping, full of heart, and an urgent call to arms. It perfectly represents what we’re about at Channel 4, and we are beyond thrilled to be working with Nicola, Russell and Peter again on this very special show.’

The Cast

No news just yet on who will star in Tip Toe. However, we do know that Tip Toe is being produced by Quay Street Productions, with the company’s founder Nicola Shindler along with Russell T Davies and Peter Hoar serving as executive producers. Quay Street was founded by Shindler in 2021; before, she worked across the likes of It’s A Sin, Last Tango in Halifax, The Stranger, Happy Valley and Queer as Folk. Most recently, Quay Street has been the company behind Harlan Coben’s smash hit Netflix adaptations Fool Me Once, Missing You and the upcoming Run Away and Lazarus series. All of this is to say there is a history of star-studded, impactful performances – and we expect a slew of talent to sign onto Tip Toe imminently.

Release Date

No official news just yet, but we expect to see Tip Toe on screens in 2026.

Catch up with It’s A Sin at channel4.com