Russell T Davies Responds to Criticism of Intimacy Coordinators
Russell T Davies has publicly criticised Hollywood actors who dismiss the role of intimacy coordinators on film sets, describing such attitudes as "privileged" and emphasizing the need for protection of actors with less influence during filming.
In an interview with the Mirror, the creator of It's a Sin and Queer as Folk specifically referenced Gwyneth Paltrow, calling actors who share similar views "disgraceful human beings."
Paltrow had previously stated that she asked an intimacy coordinator to "step back" while filming intimate scenes with Timothée Chalamet in the film Marty Supreme, explaining that she felt "very stifled" by the coordinator's guidance.
Davies on the Importance of Intimacy Coordinators
Davies made these comments ahead of the release of his new drama Tip Toe, which includes sexually explicit scenes filmed around Manchester's Canal Street.
Since the emergence of the #MeToo movement, Davies noted that intimacy coordinators—professionals who assist in choreographing sex scenes—have become an essential component of many productions.
Addressing Paltrow's remarks, Davies argued that actors with her level of influence often lack understanding of the experiences of less powerful performers on set. He stated:
"They are disgraceful human beings. They have so much power and so much privilege and they have no idea what it is like to be a jobbing actor with no power on a set. Shame on them."
Gwyneth Paltrow's Career and Views on Intimacy Coordination
Gwyneth Paltrow, aged 53, won an Academy Award in 1999 for her role in the Harvey Weinstein-produced Shakespeare in Love. She was also among the first prominent figures to accuse Weinstein of sexual harassment.
She portrayed Pepper Potts in multiple Marvel films and appeared in the Netflix series The Politician. Paltrow considers Marty Supreme her first serious film role since 2010's Country Strong.
In March 2025, Paltrow recounted how the intimacy coordinator on Marty Supreme asked if she would be comfortable with a particular move during an intimate scene with Chalamet. She explained:
"I was like 'girl, I'm from the era where you get naked, you get in bed, the camera's on'. We said 'I think we're good. You can step a little bit back'. I don't know how it is for kids who are starting out, but... if someone is like, 'OK, and then he's going to put his hand here,' I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that."
Other Actors' Perspectives on Intimacy Coordinators
Paltrow's views have been echoed by actors Kim Basinger and Sean Bean.
In February 2025, Basinger, known for her role opposite Mickey Rourke in the 1986 erotic drama 9 1/2 Weeks, told Variety that she would not have wanted an intimacy coordinator involved in filming, arguing that actors should be able to negotiate such scenes themselves.
Similarly, in August 2022, Game of Thrones actor Sean Bean expressed concerns that intimacy coordinators could "spoil the spontaneity" of scenes.
However, many other actors have praised intimacy coordinators for making the filming of sex scenes safer and more comfortable by choreographing them similarly to stunt sequences.
Some performers have expressed that they wished such support had been available earlier in their careers.
In 2022, Dame Emma Thompson described intimacy coordinators as "fantastically important," while British actress Kate Winslet said in 2024 that she would have benefited from having one throughout her career.
Reflecting on filming intimate scenes, Winslet noted it would have been reassuring to have "someone in my corner," adding that she often felt compelled to "stand up for myself" on set.
About Russell T Davies' New Series Tip Toe
Davies's upcoming five-part series Tip Toe follows the story of Clive, an electrician and father of two teenage sons, and Leo, who runs a bar in Manchester's Canal Street LGBT district.
The series continues Davies' acclaimed work with It's a Sin and Queer as Folk, both of which explore LGBT life in Manchester and beyond.
Director Phil Collinson on Intimacy Coordination
Phil Collinson, director of Tip Toe and previous collaborator on It's a Sin, also praised intimacy coordinators, acknowledging their value during the filming of the award-winning drama.
He shared his experience:
"I'd never done it before - it's an incredible experience. Before that point, I was just left out there. It was like 'go on, make this sexy'. And then it'd be me and two actors all looking at each other and lots of people just with their arms folded."
