'Tip Toe' Review: A Powerful Chapter in LGBTQ+ Storytelling
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - June 10, 2026
From ground-breaking dramas like Queer as Folk and It's a Sin to more recent series that have explored identity, love, and community with increasing nuance, LGBTQ+ television has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. Filmed in Manchester, with the city's iconic Canal Street providing a vibrant and meaningful backdrop, Channel 4’s latest series Tip Toe immediately feels rooted in a real community and lived experience.
The story is relatively simple: neighbours Leo, a happy-go-lucky gay bar owner, and Clive, a manly electrician with two sons, find their lives intertwining, causing tension and dangerous hostility. Audiences watch as the two navigate their opinions, experiences and life moving in ways they couldn’t see coming. Ending with shock, horror and drama.
Much of the show's success rests on its performances, and this is where Tip Toe truly shines. Paul Rhys delivers what may well be the performance of his career. There is a remarkable vulnerability to the role, balanced by moments of strength, humour, and heartbreak. And deserves serious awards consideration. If there is any justice, BAFTA voters will be paying close attention.
David Morrissey has always played such a good villain; he’s someone you love to hate, and in Tip Toe it’s no different. His homophobic views are not hidden; you can feel his disgust through the screen, and the restraint is unbelievable. Alan Cummings is his charming, quirky, lovable self, bringing high emotion and just enough comedic flare to give audiences a giggle amongst some serious topics.
Equally impressive is the chemistry between the ensemble cast. Friendships feel genuine, romantic relationships are believable, and even moments of conflict carry emotional weight because the audience understands what is at stake. The interactions never feel forced, creating a level of investment that makes every decision matter. You care about George and Saul (Leo's kids) and what might happen to them, and you understand why Clive makes the choices he does.
From the opening episode, Tip Toe demonstrates a confidence in its storytelling that's becoming increasingly rare. It’s bold, brazen and wastes no time with the drama. Each episode carefully balances character development with narrative momentum, often ending on a cliff-hanger that leaves viewers eager for the next instalment. These aren't cheap twists designed purely for shock value. However the shock is still there. The final episode is harrowing, heart-breaking and completely compelling. Tackling issues that we still hear across our socials and out in the street, and the series isn’t afraid to call on the stereotypes we’re trying too hard to change/ignore.
The Manchester setting deserves special praise. Canal Street has long been an important cultural landmark within Britain's LGBTQ+ community, and the series uses it as more than simply a picturesque filming location. The city becomes a character in its own right, adding texture and authenticity to the story being told.
With five episodes available to watch on Channel 4, Tip Toe is one of the most compelling LGBTQ+ dramas of the year. With exceptional performances, thoughtful storytelling, strong character work, and a vivid sense of place, it offers far more than representation alone. It tells a genuinely engaging human story, and that's ultimately what makes it so effective.
All five episodes of 'Tip Toe' are available to watch on 4OD.
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