From the Makers of Line of Duty: Luke Evans and Tom Cullen Star in ITV’s New Political Drama The Party
ITV is turning the page on a gripping new drama from the makers of Line of Duty. The Party, a five-part adaptation of Elizabeth Day’s acclaimed novel, has been commissioned by ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill. The series stars Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers, Murder Mystery, Fast and Furious franchise, The Pembrokeshire Murders) as journalist Martin Gilmour, and Tom Cullen (The Gold, Trespasses, House of the Dragon) as the charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice.
The story follows Martin, raised by his working-class mother Sylvia, played by BAFTA-winning Joanna Scanlan (After Love, Riot Women). A scholarship to an elite boarding school brings him into Ben’s orbit, forging a lifelong bond with the wealthy Fitzmaurice family. Three decades later, Martin attends Ben’s extravagant birthday party, just as news of the Conservative leader’s resignation threatens to overshadow the celebrations. Secrets from their past begin to surface, with potentially tragic consequences.
The drama unfolds across the party’s shocking events and a police investigation that follows, weaving in flashbacks to Martin and Ben’s formative years at school, university, and London’s elite social scene. The result is a gripping exploration of identity, privilege, and devotion, as well as a tender reflection on the struggle to live authentically.
Award-winning showrunner Sarah Solemani (Chivalry, Ridley Road, Barry) writes and creates the series for ITV and also stars as Martin’s pregnant wife, Lucy. Lydia Leonard (Ten Percent, Gentleman Jack, Wolf Hall) plays Ben’s formidable wife Serena, while Lindsay Duncan (The Morning Show, H is for Hawk, His Dark Materials) and Douglas Hodge (We Live in Time, The Night Manager, The Great) portray Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice.
Other cast members include Amaka Okafor (Secret Service, Black Rabbit), Bally Gill (Slow Horses, Interview With The Vampire), Sally Scott (Crow Girl, Black Doves), Sam Troughton (Mank, Chernobyl), Sinéad Matthews (The Crown, Hullraisers), and Rakie Ayola (The Pact 2, Grace).
The drama is produced by the acclaimed independent company World Productions (Until I Kill You, Malpractice, Vigil, Line of Duty, Karen Pirie) in association with Stoic Productions and ITV Studios. Multi-award-winning Executive Producer Simon Heath leads the production, alongside Luke Evans as Executive Producer for Stoic Productions. Sarah Solemani, Elizabeth Day, and Laura Cotton from World Productions also serve as Executive Producers. Direction comes from Viviane Andereggen (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, Kleo), with Richard Burrell (All Creatures Great and Small) producing.
Luke Evans shared his excitement:
“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.”
Polly Hill added:
“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.”
Simon Heath said:
“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.”
Sarah Solemani remarked:
“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.”
And Elizabeth Day shared her delight:
“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.”
Filming began in Wales in October 2025. The Party will air on ITV1 and STV, and will also be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.