Alan Cumming has opened up about the shocking death of his Tip Toe character, Leo Struthers, following the drama's gripping finale. The Russell T Davies series came to a close on Thursday night, finally revealing the circumstances behind Leo's death after viewers were first confronted with the image of him hanging from a lamppost in the opening episode.
The Channel 4 drama centred on the growing tensions between Leo, who owns a gay bar on Manchester's Canal Street, and his neighbour Clive, played by David Morrissey. Although the pair had lived next door to each other for years, their increasingly bitter rivalry became a key focus of the series as their lives became ever more intertwined.
Discussing the distressing finale, the actor 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." Cumming also confessed that the sequence "affected" him, and notwithstanding everyone being "so kind and caring about it", the experience was "so traumatic to do". He continued: "Just having something around your neck like that is so traumatic."
In the aftermath of the emotionally taxing sequence, filming was suspended for a week. Cumming subsequently disclosed that upon his return to set, his outlook had transformed and he felt prepared to complete the production.
Cumming expressed that he greatly relished his involvement in the series and embodying his character, Leo, characterising the part as especially fulfilling. He also shared his excitement about finally working alongside Russell T Davies in this role after years of hoping to collaborate, noting that Leo was an extraordinary character to bring to life, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The actor went on to say: "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."
Cumming further revealed that certain elements of the programme took considerable time 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." He continued: "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.
