Acclaimed actor Alan Cumming has opened up about the traumatic experience of filming the death of his Tip Toe character, Leo Struthers, in the drama's harrowing finale.
Finale Reveals Leo's Brutal Death
The Russell T Davies series concluded on Wednesday evening, finally disclosing how Leo met his brutal end after audiences initially witnessed him suspended from a lamppost in the opening scenes. The Channel 4 drama centered on the escalating tensions between Leo, proprietor of a gay bar on Manchester's Canal Street, and his straight neighbour Clive, portrayed by David Morrissey.
Cumming Reflects on Traumatic Scene
Reflecting on the distressing conclusion, Cumming revealed to Metro: "[Leo's] death was the first thing I talked to Russell about before I got the script. I knew he'd die, but the ferociousness of it, I thought, was brilliant." He also confessed that the scene "affected" him, and despite everyone being "so kind and caring about it", it was "so traumatic to do". He added: "Just having something around your neck like that is so traumatic."
After the emotionally taxing scene, production halted for a week. Cumming subsequently disclosed that upon returning to filming, his outlook had transformed and he felt prepared to complete the project.
Connecting with Leo
Cumming stated he greatly relished working on the series and portraying his character, characterizing the role as especially fulfilling. He also conveyed his excitement about finally working alongside Russell T Davies after years of hoping to do so, noting that Leo was a remarkable character for him to embody. The star also said: "It's an incredible part, and for a man of my age and my sexuality and my place in life, everything about it is just the perfect confluence, and yet it was the part that I think I have most wanted to be over."
He added: "I had such fun. I loved the people, but him, the heaviness of [Leo], what I carried, it was very difficult."
Cumming also revealed that certain elements of the programme took considerable time for him to process. He admitted: "Inevitably, any character [you play], there's you in it, your spirit. So I was murdered by a group of people who think I am worthless, and it takes you a while to get over that. I really connected with Leo. I've got a lot in common with them... it was really, really difficult, and I am very emotional about it."
Tip Toe is available to watch on Channel4.com.
