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Tip Toe soundtrack: Every song featured – and famous composer revealed

Your guide to the music punctuating Russell T Davies's latest LGBTQ+ drama.

Alan Cumming as Leo in Tip Toe. He is stood behind the bar at his club, with a stern expression on his face

James Stack / Channel 4

Published: Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 10:00 pm

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Russell T Davies has returned with another powerful drama, which brings him back to the lively backdrop of Canal Street for a very different story to his legendary Queer as Folk.

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Tip Toe explores how attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are becoming more hostile and dangerous, after a period of perceived progress in a positive direction.

The story unfolds from the perspectives of gay club owner Leo (Alan Cumming) and his next-door neighbour Clive (David Morrissey), as more than a decade of peaceful co-existence crashes down in the space of a week.

With Manchester's much-loved gay quarter being one key location, viewers can expect to hear a number of well-known tracks in the series – but Tip Toe is also notable for its distinctive and unsettling original score.

Davies reunited with a past musical collaborator for his latest work, and their partnership remains dynamic as ever. Read on for everything you need to know about the Tip Toe score and songs featured in the soundtrack.

Who composed the Tip Toe original score?

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Tip Toe's original score is composed by Sam Watts – a name you might not recognise immediately, but you've probably heard his work before.

These days, the musician is best known for writing the score for BBC One's The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off, which can be heard booming through television speakers up and down the country every year.

However, he also has a long history with Tip Toe creator Russell T Davies, having worked on his Doctor Who spin-offs The Sarah Jane Adventures and Tales of the TARDIS.

Other credits include Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams, Being Human and Planet Earth.

Tip Toe soundtrack: Every song featured in Channel 4's LGBTQ+ drama

Episode 1

Episode 2

More to follow next week.

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Tip Toe premieres on Channel 4 on Sunday 31 May.

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.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of David Craig, smiling against a lime green background.

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

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