Luke Evans’ ‘gripping’ new ITV drama about ‘class, sex, shame and power’ is being made in Wales
Tom Cullen also stars in The Party will which air on ITV
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Luke Evans in a scene from The Party(Image: ITV)
Luke Evans is to reunite with ITV and the makers of The Pembrokeshire Murders for a brand new five-part drama, made in Wales.
The Party is based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day and will star Aberbargoed’s Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers, Murder Mystery, Fast and Furious franchise and ITV’S The Pembrokeshire Murders) as Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by fellow Welsh star from Aberystwyth and Cardiff, Tom Cullen (The Gold, Trespasses, House of the Dragon).
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The plot sees Evans’ character raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, played by BAFTA award-winning Joanna Scanlan (After Love, Riot Women) and winning a scholarship to an elite boarding school, where he first meets Ben.
They forge an unbreakable bond as Ben and the Fitzmaurices give Martin the sense of belonging he has always craved. In turn, Martin remains unflinchingly loyal to Ben through even the greatest crises.
Jumping three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben’s lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurice’s country pile.
The news of the Conservative leader’s resignation threatens to derail Ben’s party as he considers announcing his intention to stand. Martin fears the publicity that Ben’s bid would bring, dredging up the secrets of their past with tragic consequences …
The drama moves between the shocking events of the party and the police investigation that follows, with flashbacks to Martin and Ben’s lives at school, university and London party days.
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Tom Cullen(Image: ITV)
What unfolds is a gripping exploration of identity, privilege and devotion, combined with a tender ode to anyone who has fought to live authentically.
The Party is written and created for ITV by award-winning showrunner Sarah Solemani (Chivalry, Ridley Road, Barry as writer, acting credits Chivalry, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy) who also stars as Martin’s pregnant wife, Lucy.
Star of The Pembrokeshire Murders and Beauty and the Beast, Evans said: ““From the moment I read Elizabeth Day’s novel, I knew it had the makings of something truly special for television.
“To now be bringing The Party to life – both as an actor and as an executive producer through Stoic Productions – is incredibly rewarding.
“Sarah Solemani’s adaptation captures the emotional depth and tension of the story perfectly, and to collaborate once again with World Productions and ITV, alongside such an extraordinary cast, is a real privilege.
“The Party is a gripping exploration of loyalty, class, and the truths we hide, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
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Sarah Solemani(Image: ITV)
Solemani, who is known for roles in Bridget Jones’ Baby, Mad About the Boy and Bad Education, said: “Class, sex, shame, power, betrayal, secrets – stunned ITV are letting me air my dirty laundry for our new show, The Party, stewarded by the legendary World Productions.”
The Party commenced filming in Wales during October, 2025. It will also star Lydia Leonard (Ten Percent, Gentleman Jack, Wolf Hall) who plays Serena, Ben’s formidable wife, whilst Lindsay Duncan (The Morning Show, H is for Hawk, His Dark Materials) and Douglas Hodge (We Live in Time, Pillion, The Night Manager, The Great, I Hate Suzie Too) play Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice.
Also joining the cast are; Amaka Okafor (Secret Service, Black Rabbit, Bodies), Bally Gill (Slow Horses, Interview With The Vampire), Sally Scott (Crow Girl, Black Doves, The Tower), Sam Troughton (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, Mank, Chernobyl), Sinéad Matthews (Down Cemetery Road, Hullraisers, The Crown) and Rakie Ayola (Falling, The Pact 2, Grace).
The drama is produced by acclaimed independent producers, World Productions (Until I Kill You, Malpractice, Vigil, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, Line of Duty, Karen Pirie) in association with Stoic Productions and ITV Studios.
The drama will air on ITV1 and STV and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.
SOURCE: WALESONLINE