Jackson Connor's 'Tip Toe' breakout has been a long time coming

Jackson Connor's face lights up as he recounts the moment he read the script for Tip Toe, the latest state of the nation drama from the acclaimed Russell T Davies. For the 23-year-old actor, it was more than just a breakthrough role, it was a validation of his own experiences. "I was going through quite a difficult time because I'd been trying to break into the industry for a while," he shares with NME. The Covid pandemic and writers' strike had left the acting scene barren, and Connor felt like he was stuck in a rut. "I just had this overbearing feeling that I was doing something wrong," he admits.

It's little wonder that Connor felt an instant connection to the character of George Goss, a closeted 16-year-old from Manchester who becomes the accidental catalyst for the drama that unfolds. "I said to my friend, 'If I don't get this [part], there really is something wrong with me,'" Connor says, reflecting on his own experiences with coming out. At 15, Connor had already navigated the complexities of being a closeted teenager, and he saw a kindred spirit in George. "I mean, I came out when I was 15, so I went through the same kind of things as George," he explains.

As we speak, Connor is taking a break from his day job as a dental assistant, a role that provides a sense of stability and normalcy amidst the chaos of the acting world. It's a far cry from the intense and unflinching world of Tip Toe, which sees Alan Cumming and David Morrissey bring to life a complex web of characters and relationships. For Connor, the experience has been a baptism by fire, but one that he feels has prepared him for the demands of a career in acting.

One of the most striking aspects of Tip Toe is its portrayal of the intricate relationships between its characters. At the heart of the drama is the complex bond between Leo Struthers (Cumming) and George Goss. "Leo sees George as himself when he was younger," Connor explains. "And for George, Leo is what he could be if he grew up to be happy and open." It's a poignant and nuanced exploration of the power of human connection, one that Connor feels is all too relevant in today's society.

The show's writer, Russell T Davies, has a reputation for tackling tough subjects with sensitivity and nuance. Tip Toe is no exception, tackling themes of identity, vulnerability, and the complexities of human relationships. For Connor, it's evidence of the power of storytelling to capture the essence of the human experience.

For Connor, the experience of working on Tip Toe has been a defining moment in his career. It's a role that has allowed him to tap into his own experiences and emotions, and one that he feels has prepared him for the demands of a career in acting. As he looks to the future, Connor is excited to see where this breakthrough role will take him. "It's been an incredible experience, and I feel like I've grown so much as an actor," he says.

Tip Toe is streaming now on Channel 4, and it's a must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking drama. With its complex characters, nuanced exploration of relationships, and unflinching portrayal of the human experience, it's a show that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.

As I wrap up our conversation with Connor, it's clear that this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. With Tip Toe under his belt, he's ready to take on whatever the future holds. "I'm excited to see where this journey takes me," he says with a smile. And with his talent, passion, and dedication, the sky's the limit for this young actor.

With Tip Toe setting the stage for a new era of thought-provoking drama, it's clear that Jackson Connor is just the beginning of a new wave of talented actors who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible on screen.