Renowned Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has issued a stark warning about his forthcoming television project, declaring that his new show is 'woke on a colossal scale' and 'will be hated' by some viewers. In a significant career move, Davies has shifted from the BBC to Channel 4 for this gritty drama, titled Tip Toe.
A Return to Channel 4 with a Powerful Message
Davies, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on Queer as Folk, is reuniting with Channel 4 for this urgent five-part series. Tip Toe will feature acting legends Alan Cumming and David Morrisey as two neighbours in Manchester whose relationship deteriorates into enmity against a backdrop of increasing societal intolerance and division.
Exploring Contemporary LGBTQ+ Hostility
The series aims to shed light on the rising animosity and dangerous prejudice facing the LGBTQ+ community today. Davies explained that the show's purpose is to highlight how 'simply being gay in 2026 is political'. He told Deadline: 'People will hate it. My word this show is going to get called woke on a colossal scale, but I'm happy to be called woke.'
Davies was motivated to create Tip Toe by his concern over the escalating hostility towards queer individuals. He recounted approaching his long-time producing partner, saying: 'I felt the queer discourse was becoming so hostile and dangerous in a way I never thought would happen again, so I came to Nicola and said, "Hello, let's do this".'
Plot Synopsis and Character Dynamics
The series follows Leo, played by Alan Cumming, who runs a bar on Manchester's Canal Street, and Clive, portrayed by David Morrisey, an electrician with two teenage sons. Initially neighbours, their relationship fractures as the world around them grows more tense.
A synopsis reveals: '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.' Davies describes the series as an 'urgent yet gripping tale' that brings a spotlight to bear on the re-emergence of an incipient threat, underscored with his trademark wit and humour.
Davies' Previous Channel 4 Success
This marks Davies' return to Channel 4 following his last drama for the network, the critically acclaimed It's A Sin. That series, which followed a group of young friends during the 1980s AIDS crisis, was praised for its devastating and powerful storytelling. With Tip Toe, Davies continues his commitment to exploring LGBTQ+ narratives, stating last year: 'It's my honour to combine my old home, Channel 4, with my second home, Canal Street. This is a show I had to write because the world is getting stranger, tougher and darker, and frankly, the fight is on.'
Doctor Who Connections and Audio Adventures
In related news, Davies' Doctor Who universe continues to expand. It was recently revealed that David Tennant is making an epic return to the Whoniverse, albeit not on-screen for the BBC. Instead, the Scottish actor will reprise his role as the Doctor in 15 new audio installments produced by Big Finish.
Tennant, who portrayed both the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors, commented: 'Big Finish makes it dangerously easy – you turn up, have a lovely time, and suddenly you’ve saved the universe again.' Big Finish's creative director Nicholas Briggs expressed enthusiasm, noting they are always ready with new stories for Tennant's return.
As Davies prepares to challenge audiences with Tip Toe, his warning about its reception underscores the series' provocative nature and his unwavering dedication to addressing contemporary social issues through compelling drama.
