Alan Cumming has opened up about the emotional impact of filming character Leo's brutal death in the finale of Russell T Davies' Channel 4 drama Tip Toe.
The harrowing drama came to a tense conclusion on Wednesday night, finally unveiling how Leo met his brutal end, after viewers first witnessed him hanging from a lamppost in the opening scenes.
The Channel 4 drama centred on the escalating tensions between Leo, the proprietor of a gay bar on Manchester's Canal Street, and his straight neighbour Clive, portrayed by David Morrissey.
Although the pair had lived side by side for several years, their bitter feud became a defining thread throughout the series, as their two worlds were inevitably drawn together.
Reflecting on the distressing conclusion, the actor told 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."
Alan 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."
Following the emotionally gruelling scene, filming was halted for a week. Alan later disclosed that upon his return to set, his outlook had changed and he felt prepared to see the project through to completion.
Alan said he greatly relished working on the series and bringing Leo to life, describing the role as an especially fulfilling experience. He also voiced his excitement about finally working alongside Russell T Davies in this role after years of hoping to do so, describing Leo as an extraordinary character to bring to life.
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. I had such fun. I loved the people, but him, the heaviness of [Leo], what I carried, it was very difficult."
Alan also revealed that certain elements of the production took considerable time for him to process emotionally. He confessed: "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.
