Luke Evans stars in first look at ITV’s new Welsh crime drama based on best-selling novel

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ITV has greenlit a five-episode series based on Elizabeth Day’s novel, ‘The Party,’ with Luke Evans set to star.

Luke Evans, famous for his work in movies like the Fast & Furious series and TV shows such as The Pembrokeshire Murders, The Alienist, and Nine Perfect Strangers, will play journalist Martin Gilmour in an upcoming project.

The book is a suspenseful story about obsession and betrayal that unfolds during a single dinner party. The series closely follows the book’s plot, exploring a dark world of wealth, secrets, and the hidden lives of the privileged.

The show focuses on the close bond between Martin Gilmour and Ben Fitzmaurice, a charming and influential politician portrayed by Tom Cullen, known for his role in “The Gold.”

Filming for the show began last month, and we’re now getting a sneak peek at what viewers can expect.

The photos show both men wearing suits and inside what looks like a fancy house, but they both seem very stressed.

When the series was announced, Evans shared his excitement about Elizabeth Day’s novel, saying he immediately felt it had great potential for television. He expressed how rewarding it is to now be involved in bringing ‘The Party’ to life, both as an actor and a producer through his company, Stoic Productions.

Sarah Solemani’s adaptation beautifully portrays the story’s emotional core and suspense. It’s a privilege to work again with World Productions and ITV, and with such a talented cast. ‘The Party’ is a compelling look at loyalty, social class, and the secrets we keep, and I’m excited for viewers to watch it.

I’m really excited about this new series! It tells the story of Martin, a boy raised by his single mom, Sylvia – played by the amazing Joanna Scanlan. He gets this incredible opportunity to go to a fancy boarding school on a scholarship, and that’s where he meets Ben. They quickly become best friends, and the friendship, along with the acceptance he finds from Ben and the Fitzmaurice family, gives Martin the feeling of belonging he’s always wanted. It sounds like a really heartwarming story!

The story jumps between the aftermath of a shocking party, the subsequent police investigation, and memories of Martin and Ben’s time together – from school and university to their wilder days in London.

The new series, ‘The Party’, promises a compelling story about finding yourself, the impact of social standing, and unwavering loyalty. It’s also a heartfelt tribute to those who strive to live truthfully. Sarah Solemani not only plays the role of Martin’s wife, Lucy, who is expecting a child, but is also the creative force behind the series as its writer and creator.

Lydia Leonard, known for her role in ‘Ten Percent,’ plays Ben’s wife, Serena. Lindsay Duncan (‘The Morning Show’) and Douglas Hodge (‘We Live in Time’) star as Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice.

The cast also includes Sam Troughton, known for ‘Lockerbie: A Search for Truth’; Sally Scott from ‘Crow Girl’; Sinéad Matthews of ‘Down Cemetery Road’; Bally Gill, who appears in ‘Slow Horses’; Amaka Okafor from ‘Secret Service’; and Rakie Ayola, recognized for her work in ‘Falling’.

Elizabeth Day, the author of several books and host of the popular podcast ‘How to Fail,’ expressed her excitement about the upcoming television adaptation of her novel, ‘The Party.’

It’s been a fantastic career moment to work with such a talented cast and crew. I’m deeply thankful to Luke Evans for believing in my book from the start, and to everyone at World Productions and ITV for consistently supporting their vision for the project. I also really appreciate Sarah Solemani sharing her incredible skills with the adaptation.

It’s amazing to see my characters and their world come to life in this new version. I’m so enthusiastic about it that I’ve repeatedly volunteered to be an extra!

I’m really excited about ‘The Party,’ and while we don’t have a confirmed release date just yet, I know it’s going to air on ITV1 and STV when it does! Plus, the good news is it’ll also be available to stream on ITVX and the STV Player, so I won’t miss it!

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2025-11-06 15:12