Russell T Davies has warned that the LGBTQ community is facing a resurgence of aggression and danger, which he explores in his new Channel 4 drama Tip Toe. The acclaimed writer, known for groundbreaking series such as Queer as Folk (1999) and It's a Sin (2021), returns to Manchester's Canal Street for the new thriller, which he describes as a 'suburban thriller' about two neighbours who become deadly enemies.
The Return to Canal Street
Davies first filmed in Manchester's gay quarter in 1998 for Queer as Folk, transforming the cobbles with lights and flambeaux. Returning in 2025 to shoot Tip Toe, he found the area quieter but still vibrant, with drag queens, regulars, and students. He notes that rumours of the area's decline have persisted since the 1990s, but the heart and soul remain intact.
A Growing Fear
Davies admits that over the years, an anger and fear have been rising in him. He wrote a speech for the character Melba, a fading gay activist played by Paul Rhys, who reflects on how the promise of equality in 2026 has been betrayed. Melba says, 'They tricked us... They let us all come out. So now we're standing in the open, ready for them to shoot us down.' Davies says this captures how it feels: 'Aggression in the air, not just online, but out on the streets.'
Personal Experiences
Davies recounts a personal incident: a car pulled up alongside him, and the occupants shouted abuse. He also knows teachers who have edited their online presence and colleagues who have stepped back into the closet. He believes 'there's a fever brewing, an animus in the air, and I think it's focused on us.'
He anticipates dismissive responses from some right-wing commentators but insists the temperature is rising, especially around trans rights. He notes that society's reliance on typing has made conversations sharper and more aggressive.
The Story of Tip Toe
Davies explains that the series is based on a front door key. He gave his key to a neighbour, Mike, who died last year. This inspired him to think: what could go wrong with a key, a neighbour, and a house? He realised how vulnerable a house becomes when defences are lowered. This unease, combined with his fears about the world, led to his first thriller.
Tip Toe stars Alan Cumming as Leo Struthers and David Morrissey as Clive Goss, next-door neighbours who simply do not like each other. The drama explores how opinions gain clicks, cancellation is ready to pounce, and a tweet can whip up hatred. Davies promises that every good deed is punished, and one wrong step will be fatal.
No Typical Thriller Props
Davies emphasises that Tip Toe lacks typical thriller elements: no stolen briefcase, no car chase, no guns, and no cops or criminals. Instead, it focuses on two ordinary men in an ordinary Manchester street, with danger brewing from the smallest details.
