‘Tense’ suburban thriller heading to Channel 4 and viewers will be gripped

Channel 4 has shared a first look at Tip Toe, its new series from Russell T Davies.

Alan Cumming stars in Channel 4’s Tip Toe (Image: Channel 4 screengrab)

Channel 4 has unveiled a first glimpse at its “captivating” new drama from Bafta-winning writer Russell T Davies, with viewers already predicting it will be “epic”.

The broadcaster shared a teaser trailer for Tip Toe on Instagram, offering viewers their first look at stars Alan Cumming and David Morrissey in action. The five-part drama — filmed in Manchester — promises to “explore the most corrosive forces facing the LGBTQ+ community today”, reports the Mirror.

The Traitors US host Alan portrays Leo, the proprietor of a bar called Spit and Polish in Manchester’s Gay Village, while David takes on the role of Clive, Leo’s unsmiling and troubled neighbour, who has lived next door for almost 15 years.

According to the synopsis: “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.

“The series, populated with a cast of vibrant characters and underscored with Davies’ trademark wit and deft humour, is an urgent tale that brings a spotlight to bear on the prejudices which are creeping back into our lives, in a story that speaks not just to the queer community but to the world today.”

Fans can’t wait to watch Tip Toe (Image: Channel 4)

“Blood and fire and retribution,” Channel 4 teased alongside the trailer on Instagram. “A brand new drama from @russelltdavies63. Tip Toe is coming soon to Channel 4.”

Viewers were captivated by the trailer, which suggested mounting tension between Leo and Clive as taglines including “Lust thy neighbour” and “Fear thy neighbour” appeared on screen.

“Can’t wait!” several people posted on social media, as another exclaimed: “GOD I’M SO EXCITED!”

“Oh we’re in for a b****y treat,” one person predicted. “Let’s go… we are ready for this gem… very excited,” said someone else.

Another pleaded: “Give it. Give it now. Please.” “This is going to be epic!!!!” said someone else.

Viewers have said the series looks ‘epic’ (Image: Channel 4 screengrab)

Tip Toe also stars Pooky Quesnel as Clive’s wife Marie, Jackson Connor as Clive’s youngest son George, Joseph Evans as George’s older brother Saul and Elizabeth Berrington as Leo’s best friend Stephanie. Further cast members include Paul Rhys, Charlie Condou and Loose Women star Denise Welch.

Nicola Shindler, executive producer, said when the drama was announced: “Tip Toe is not just a timely drama, but a captivating story shot through with Russell’s brilliant wit, warmth and devastating poignancy.”

Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and Channel 4 drama said: “We couldn’t love Tip Toe more: it is funny, gripping, full of heart, and an urgent call to arms.”

Tip Toe is set to air on Channel 4.