ITV Studios has announced the acquisition of the landmark queer drama from multi-BAFTA-winning writer Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, Queer As Folk, It’s A Sin), Tip Toe by Warner Bros. Discovery for HBO Max in 14 European countries; Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The news follows the recent acquisition by STARZ for the US and English-speaking Canada.
Jemma Harvey, EVP, EMEA & UK Sales and Distribution at ITV Studios, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with HBO Max to bring Tip Toe, such a timely and impactful drama, to audiences across Europe. Russell T Davies has brought to screen a deeply resonant and powerful story, and it is wonderful to see it find a home on HBO Max for viewers across Europe to enjoy.”
The recently launched five-part original drama for Channel 4 stars Alan Cumming (The Traitors, Glenrothan) and David Morrissey (Sherwood, Daddy Issues). Tip Toe follows Leo and Clive who have lived next door to each other in Manchester for almost 15 years. But just as life should be settling down, the world around them is growing more tense. 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. The series, populated with a cast of vibrant characters and underscored with Davies’ trademark wit and deft humour, is an urgent tale that brings a spotlight to bear on the prejudices which are creeping back into our lives.
Also joining the cast are Pooky Quesnel (The A Word, Moonflower Murders) as Clive’s wife Marie, Jackson Connor (Phoenix Rise, Masters of the Air) as Clive’s youngest son George, Joseph Evans (The Map That Leads To You, CC Emily) as George’s older brother Saul, Elizabeth Berrington (Lost Boys & Fairies, Last Night In Soho) as Leo’s best friend Stephanie, Iz Hesketh (Renegade Nell, Hollyoaks) as Zee and Shakeel Kimotho (La Cage Aux Folles (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre)), CATS (International Tour) as Hanna, who both work at Spit & Polish, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo (Wednesday, Devs) as the bar’s manager Judy, Paul Rhys (Saltburn, Napoleon) as Melba, a Canal Street fixture, Charlie Condou (Doctor Who, Unforgotten) as Leo’s ex-husband Curtis, and Denise Welch (Waterloo Road, Coronation Street) as Diane.
Tip Toe is produced by Quay Street Productions, with Nicola Shindler, CEO of Quay Street Productions (Happy Valley, It’s a Sin, Fool Me Once), Russell T Davies, Peter Hoar (The Last Of Us, It’s A Sin), and Alan Cumming serving as Executive Producers. The series is produced by Phil Collinson (It’s A Sin, Gentleman Jack), directed by Peter Hoar and is cast by Andy Pryor (Doctor Who, It’s A Sin). Tip Toe is produced in association with ITV Studios which also handles international distribution.
