Tip Toe gives us the early sight of Alan Cumming (Glenrothan) having to dance in his pants, just like they do in France… because another love tangle has gone wrong, and now he’s locked out, in just a top, his undercrackers and slippers.
Without having to go on Who Wants To Me A Millionaire?, next door neighbour Clive (David Morrissey – Gone) lets Leo (Cumming) phone a friend to come round with a spare key, but despite feeling his age, as he’s about to turn 60, he struggles to keep it in his pants when he’s around most men, so he certainly mustn’t stand to attention when he’s in the neighbouring abode, along with the two sons, aged 25 and 16, and not least because is there a grumpier man than Clive?!
I also wouldn’t want people walking into my house without invitation, especially with their outdoor shoes on, so when Clive starts asking to keep hold of the spare key, as well as the knowledge of Leo’s alarm code, to me that WOULD set alarm bells ringing, even if it’s for well-intentioned reasons, because there’s such a thing as privacy.
By day, Clive’s an electrician, while by night… well, all day, really, Leo runs a bar on Canal Street in Manchester. Of the latter’s customers, if there was a prize for running your mouth off, Melba (Paul Rhys – Saltburn) would win hands down, while for the staff, Zee (Iz Hesketh) has tenants she seriously wants to get away from; and while Alan Cumming was in Goldeneye, Judy (Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo) is licensed to kill! (well, birds in her back garden)
As this is just a preview, there’s not too much I can say about the meat and potatoes of the story prior to broadcast, but it’s safe to say that if there’s one thing Russell T Davies can actually write, it’s a drama with plenty of tension, and Tip Toe certainly has some jaw-dropping moments.
In fact, when I saw Mr Morrissey frequently looking crazy-grumpy, I now realise that he must’ve just caught up with the last two series of Doctor Who. Please keep RTD away from any more of that!
Additional, after broadcast:
Spoiler Inside
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Tip Toe is great stuff, but when I see Leo getting in way too deep, I know there are times when he should just hold back and not get so involved. For someone who likes his privacy, I think he would keep himself to himself more, and so his character wouldn’t really behave quite like that, but then it’s a drama and not reality.
There’s also a superb performance from Paul Rhys as barfly Melba. However, it’s interesing that Leo walks in after a long day, and immediately puts the kettle on… even though he hasn’t put fresh water in it! Eww…
Thanks to our friends at Channel 4 for the screener prior to release.
Tip Toe begins tomorrow night on Channel 4 at 9pm, continues the following night, and then finishes with a three-night run next Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Once broadcast, all episodes will be on All 4.
It’s not yet available to pre-order on Blu-ray or DVD, but when it is, it will be listed on the New DVD, Blu-ray, 3D and 4K releases UK page.
Tip Toe – Official Trailer – Channel 4
Cert: 
Running time: 45-55 minutes per episode (5 episodes)
Release date: May 31st 2026
Channel: Channel 4
Format: 1.78:1
Director: Peter Hoar
Producer: Phil Collinson
Writer: Russell T Davies
Music: Sam Watts
Cast:
Leo: Alan Cumming
Clive: David Morrissey
Stephanie: Elizabeth Berrington
Melba: Paul Rhys
Maggie: Clare Calbraith
Marie: Pooky Quesnel
Zee: Iz Hesketh
George: Jackson Connor
Curtis: Charlie Condou
Diane: Denise Welch
Bridget: Ania Marson
Benny: Stephen Bailey
Judy: Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.