Gripping new Channel 4 thriller with two Bolton stars airs tonight

If you enjoyed Russell’s It’s A Sin, which followed a group of friends whose lives were irrevocably changed by the HIV/Aids epidemic, Tip Toe is likely to be your next must-watch.

The Bolton News attended the premiere to meet the star-studded cast and watch the first episode ahead of its broadcast.

The drama opens with a shocking and disturbing scene that immediately sets the tone for an utterly gripping first episode.

While a dark undercurrent runs throughout, hinting at the fate audiences glimpse from the outset, Russell balances the tension with moments of humour.

Set partly in Manchester’s Canal Street, the heart of the city’s Gay Village, the opening episode offers both light and shade.

The star-studded cast of Tip Toe (Image: NQ)

One moment features a hilarious drunken drag queen feud, the next delivers a heartbreaking monologue exploring the realities of being gay in 2026.

Viewers should be prepared for some genuinely shocking scenes, including moments that may leave you squirming if you’re watching alongside family members.

Yet it all contributes to the authenticity of Russell’s writing, which never shies away from difficult conversations or uncomfortable truths.

Keen-eyed viewers will also spot two Bolton-born stars in the first episode.

Dominic Holmes (left) and Gabriel Clark (right) (Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis PA)

Gabriel Clark from Harwood, best known for playing Ollie Morgan in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, stars as Mickey.

Viewers will first see Gabriel’s character in Alan Cumming’s bar.

Dominic Holmes from Great Lever plays Regime, who is a teacher by day and drag queen by night.

Regime’s first appearance comes when she realises some of her students have spotted her in drag at the bar.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Dominic said: “There’s a lot of amazing Northern talent in Tip Toe.

“It’s important to see people being authentic to themselves and representing where they’re from.”

Bolton star Gabriel Clark on the red carpet (Image: NQ)

Gabriel added: “I love Bolton but, growing up and being gay, I didn’t really know where my community was.

“If I’d known Dom when I was younger, my life probably would have been very different.

“This has been one of the best things to come out of this job for me, meeting a community of Northern LGBTQ+ people, particularly from Bolton.”

Last weekend, Bolton celebrated its 11th annual Pride in Victoria Square.

Miss Toxic with fans at Bolton Pride 2026 (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Reflecting themes that also run through Tip Toe, organiser Kev Wright told The Bolton News: “It’s more and more important that we have events like this to maintain our voices in the area.

“There is a dark side of things where people are afraid, they can’t be who they want to be.”

The first two episodes of Tip Toe will air on Sunday, May 31, and Monday, June 1, at 9pm on Channel 4.

The final three episodes will follow on Sunday, June 7, Monday, June 8, and Tuesday, June 9, at the same time.