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Tip Toe's Alan Cumming stars on this week's Radio Times

The star of Russell T Davies's provocative new drama isn't one to toe the line...

Week 23 Alan Cumming one off usage for Week 23 Alan Cumming feature ONLY*

Chris Sorensen/Redux / eyevine, styled by Cynthia Altoriso.

Published: Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 5:23 pm

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Actor, host, provocateur and now Radio Times cover star, Alan Cumming is one of television's most singular talents. Gareth McLean's interview with him is every bit as sharp, candid and entertaining as you might expect.

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Reflecting on the current political climate and the importance of visibility, Cumming tells us: "Art can't save the world but art can change minds. I wouldn't do what I do if I didn't believe that" – a remark that feels resonant as the UK approaches a summer filled with Pride celebrations.

The timing is apt, too, with anticipation growing around Tip Toe, the latest drama by Russell T Davies in which Cumming stars. Together, Davies and Cumming represent a tradition of British television that has long been shaped and enriched by LGBTQ+ voices.

Indeed, in this week's issue, Patrick Mulkern speaks to Brian Hodgson, the sound designer who joined the BBC in 1960 and worked on Doctor Who. Hodgson recalls that while old-fashioned attitudes existed, the reality often told a rather different story.

"The head of Programme Operations said he would never employ any homosexuals," Hodgson remembers. "Had he stuck to that, he wouldn't have had a department, because two-thirds of us were gay."

A reminder, if one were needed, of the huge debt British TV owes to LGBTQ+ writers, performers, producers and creatives.

You may also notice a few changes to the typography in our listings pages this week, which we hope will make planning your viewing and listening a little easier on the eye.

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Radio Times cover featuring Alan Cumming wearing a checkered suit, sat on a stool.

Chris Sorensen / Redux / Eyevine; styled by Cynthia Altoriso.

Also in this week's Radio Times:

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Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Radio Times editor Shem Law wears a shirt, tie and grey jumper. He is sitting at a wooden desk behind a sign saying "Editor" clasping his hands. There are other items on the desk, including a dial telephone and typewriter.

Shem Law

Shem Law is the brand editor of Radio Times, and the 20th person to hold that esteemed position in over 100 years. He wasn't allowed a television growing up, but over the years he has rather overcompensated for that fact.

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