THE PARTY: ITV ANNOUNCES NEW POLITICAL DRAMA STARRING LUKE EVANS AND TOM CULLEN

ITV have commissioned The Party, a five-part drama based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day, starring Luke 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 Tom Cullen (The Gold, Trespasses, House of the Dragon).

Raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, played by BAFTA award-winning Joanna Scanlan (After Love, Riot Women) Martin wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school, where he first meets Ben. They forge an unbreakable bond, as Ben and the Fitzmaurice’s give Martin the sense of belonging he has always craved. In turn, Martin remains unflinchingly loyal to Ben through even the greatest crises.

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.

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.

Lydia Leonard (Ten Percent, Gentleman Jack, Wolf Hall) 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 production will be led by multi-award-winning Executive Producer, Simon Heath, CEO and Creative Director of World Productions, alongside Luke Evans who is an Executive Producer on behalf of his company Stoic Productions. Sarah Solemani and Elizabeth Day also act as Executive Producers together with Laura Cotton from World Productions.

The series will be directed by Viviane Andereggen (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, Kleo) with Richard Burrell (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, All Creatures Great and Small) producing.

Commented Luke Evans: “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.”

Commented Polly Hill: “I am delighted to be working with Luke Evans and Simon Heath again. Sarah Solemani has done a brilliant adaptation of Elizabeth Day’s novel, which makes this an exciting new drama for ITV and one I think audiences will love.”

Commented Simon Heath: “It’s a privilege to be working with Luke again, who brought me Elizabeth’s brilliant novel of class, love and betrayal during the dark days of the pandemic. Sarah’s terrific adaptation has attracted a stellar cast, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Commented Sarah Solemani: “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.”

Commented Elizabeth Day: “I am so thrilled to see this wonderful adaptation of my novel, The Party, come to our screens. To be surrounded by this much talent both in front of and behind the camera is a real career highlight - I am incredibly grateful to the brilliant Luke Evans for championing my book in the first place and to everyone at World Productions and ITV who have been so steadfast in their vision for this project...

"I'm also very grateful to Sarah Solemani for lending her myriad talents to the adaptation. It's unbelievably exciting to witness my characters and the imagined world they inhabit evolving into this compelling, new creative iteration. And yes, I've already asked to be an extra. Multiple times.”

The drama will air on ITV1 and STV and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.