In the heart of Manchester, actor Gabriel Clark encountered a stark reminder of the homophobia that persists in the UK. While walking down Canal Street with co-star Dominic Holmes in late 2026, they were met with a brutal slur from passing men. This incident, occurring just a week before filming began on Russell T Davies‘ new LGBTQIA+ drama Tip Toeunderscored the urgent need for shows like it.
Clark, known for his role as Ollie Morgan on Hollyoaksplays Mikey Driscoll, a vibrant bartender at the Spit & Polish nightclub in the series. The show, which premiered on June 10, 2026, delves into the complex relationship between Leo Struthers, the club’s owner, and his neighbor Clive Goss. The narrative takes a chilling turn as Leo’s fate is revealed from the outset, leaving viewers to grapple with the events leading to his tragic end.
The Power of Storytelling in Tip Toe
Clark likens the show’s structure to a Greek tragedy, where the audience is aware of the impending doom but hopes for a different outcome. Tip Toe forces viewers to confront the reality of homophobia and its devastating consequences. The actor praises the writing for its cleverness, noting how each decision characters make contributes to the inevitable tragedy.
The show’s shocking finale, in which Clive leads Leo’s execution, serves as a wake-up call. Clark argues that in a world of short attention spans, such stark depictions are necessary to spark conversation and action. He believes that gentle approaches have failed and that sometimes, a bold stand is needed to combat rising homophobia and transphobia.
The Legacy of Tip Toe
Clark hopes that Tip Toe will leave a legacy similar to that of Adolescenceanother groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ series. He aspires for the show to be remembered as a wake-up call that started crucial conversations, rather than a prophetic warning of things to come. The actor also highlights the show’s subtle nod to Davies’ previous work, It’s A Sinthrough Leo’s portrayal as an HIV+ character taking medication that makes him undetectable.
The reaction to Tip Toe has been richly deserved, with praise for its tight storytelling and relevant themes. Clark commends Davies and director Peter Hoar for weaving together topics such as homophobia, transphobia, and the cost-of-living crisis without feeling laboured. Despite some critiques of the show being exhausting or entering soap-box territory, the drama’s compelling narrative and well-made points shine through.
The Current Climate of LGBTQIA+ Rights
Clark expresses concern about the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the UK, particularly for trans individuals. He fears that the community is not taking the threats seriously enough and criticizes the Labour government for allowing the erosion of trans rights. The UK’s fall to 22nd place in ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Map and a 27% increase in hate crime calls to Galop’s helpline highlight the urgent need for change.
The actor reflects on his own journey of self-discovery and the impact of Davies’ work on his understanding of his sexuality. Shows like Queer As Folk and Torchwood provided much-needed representation and inspired Clark to embrace his queerness. His role in Tip Toe as Mikey Driscoll, a proud and confident gay man, resonates deeply with him and serves as a beacon for younger viewers.
Clark’s praise for his co-stars, Alan Cumming and David Morrissey, underscores the show’s exceptional performances. He describes Cumming as a warm and welcoming presence on set, while Morrissey’s powerful performance alongside Cumming’s leaves a lasting impact. The actor also expresses his excitement for Cumming’s upcoming role in Avengers: Doomsday.
