Breakout Role for Jackson Connor: 'Tip Toe' Brings Respite from Years of Drought
From the depths of despair to the spotlight's warm glow, it's been a long and winding road for emerging talent Jackson Connor. But with his standout performance in Russell T Davies' unflinching drama 'Tip Toe', this 23-year-old actor has finally found his footing – and it couldn't have come at a more crucial time. Fresh from the turmoil of the pandemic and writers' strike, which left him questioning his very future in the industry, Connor's portrayal of George Goss is not just a career highlight but a deeply personal one.
As George, a vulnerable 16-year-old closeted teen from Manchester, Connor shines a light on the darker corners of society. His character's struggles are all too familiar – having come out himself at just 15, he poured his heart and soul into this role. 'It was meant for him,' he says, reflecting on the connection that sparked between actor and character.
'Tip Toe' explodes onto our screens with a shocking discovery: Leo Struthers, a gay bar owner, is found dead. As we rewind ten days to unravel the events leading up to this tragedy, tensions escalate when Clive Goss (played by David Morrissey), George's father, misinterprets Leo's text messages – sparking homophobic assumptions that are both disturbing and all too believable.
With 'Tip Toe', Davies continues his legacy of thought-provoking LGBTQ+-themed dramas like 'Queer As Folk' and 'It's A Sin'. But what drives this latest series is a pressing concern: the alarming regression in queer rights globally. For Connor, it's about sparking a much-needed conversation – one that's as uncomfortable as it is necessary.
The stats are stark: between March 2024 and March 2025, England and Wales saw over 18,000 hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation and more than 3,000 targeting trans identity. Many go unreported due to fear and mistrust – a chilling reminder of the work still to be done.
With 'Tip Toe' streaming on Channel 4, Connor's message is clear: representation matters now more than ever. As an actor who juggles his passion with a day job as a dental assistant, he knows the value of being seen and heard – especially in these turbulent times. This series may be unflinching, but it's also a beacon of hope – one that shines brightly in the face of adversity.