Alan Cumming has called on his followers to help build a “lasting legacy” for the new drama Tip Toe, as charities launch a campaign to tackle ongoing HIV stigma.
Tip Toe, a new five-part drama from Russell T. Davies, portrays the life of Leo Struthers, a man who has been living with HIV since 1994. Leo runs a bar called Spit and Polish in Manchester’s gay village on Canal Street. The series shows Leo living well with HIV more than 30 years after his diagnosis, while also reminding audiences of the stigma surrounding HIV that persists today.
Alan Cumming posted on Instagram calling on supporters to buy the T-shirt and support the campaign to help build a “lasting legacy” for the show. In the video, Alan Cumming said: “Thankfully, successful treatments have been found and now people like Leo just take one pill a day which keeps their HIV in check and means they cannot pass HIV on to anyone else.
“Leo runs a bar called Spit and Polish in Manchester gay village. Spit and Polish is more than just a bar. It’s a sanctuary where everyone feels safe, celebrate and free. And now you can buy your own Spit and Polish T-shirt to support people like Leo living with HIV because while treatment has changed beyond our wildest dreams the stigma around HIV still remains with too many people still met with stigma, judgement and isolation. By wearing your T-shirt you’re helping to build a lasting legacy for Tip Toe and making sure that no one faces HIV alone.”
Russell T Davies, writer of the show, said: “It’s an honour to portray Alan Cumming’s character, Leo Struthers, as a man living with HIV since 1994. It feels like the natural legacy of It’s a Sin. There wasn't the time in that show to show the long-term story, that medications were found which saved so many lives. So this feels like a right and proper continuation.
“In my role as patron of the George House Trust, and a supporter of Terrence Higgins Trust, I've often been asked by people in both organisations to show modern-day characters who are HIV+ and living straightforward, happy lives, so it’s an honour to do so in Tip Toe.
"And there's some contentious stuff in there too, as the age-old problem of stigma raises its head, as well as the problems of HIV denial. The fight never ends, but Leo’s ready on the front line.”
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “No TV series has done more to engage and re-engage the public in the fight against HIV than It’s A Sin. It reminded us of the devastation of the AIDS crisis and how fortunate we are to live at a time when there are highly effective ways to prevent, test for and treat HIV.”
“We thank Russell for doing what he couldn’t in It’s A Sin - including showing Leo taking one pill a day and living well with HIV three decades on from his diagnosis
Graham Robson
“That single pill keeps his HIV in check and means he cannot pass the virus on to sexual partners. HIV is a tiny part of his life, leaving him with plenty of time to run his bar, spend time with friends and even feud with his neighbour.”
Darren Knight, Chief Executive of George House Trust, said: “Only when people know the facts about HIV will we truly tackle the stigma and discrimination that still persists. Through representation, inclusion and truth, Russell’s writing helps us reach and educate more people.
“Tip Toe is another strong example of bringing those facts into people’s living rooms - challenging prejudice and giving audiences the knowledge they need about HIV in 2026. We thank everyone involved for helping to build a world where HIV holds no one back.”
To coincide with the show, HIV charities Terrence Higgins Trust and George House Trust have come together to produce a real-life version of the Spit and Polish T-shirt that is worn by Leo in the series. The T-shirt is now available on Terrence Higgins Trust’s website, with proceeds split between the two charities to supporting people living with HIV.
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