FIRST LOOK The Party

A new ITV1 drama based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day.

ITV1 has released a first look at their upcoming gripping new five-part drama The Party, based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day.

Created by Sarah Solemani, The Party stars Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen

Raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, played by Joanna Scanlan, Martin wins 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.

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Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben’s lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurices’ 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.

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Starring alongside Luke Evans and Tom Cullen are Sarah Solemani as Martin’s pregnant wife, Lucy, Lydia Leonard as Ben’s formidable wife, Serena, with Lindsay Duncan and Douglas Hodge as Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice.

Further cast members include Amaka Okafor, Bally Gill, Rakie Ayola, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton and Sinéad Matthews.

Made by World Productions, in association with Stoic Productions and ITV Studios, The Party is written by Sarah Solemani, directed by Viviane Andereggen, produced by Richard Burrell and executive produced by Simon Heath, CEO and Creative Director of World Productions, Luke Evans who is an Executive Producer on behalf of his company Stoic Productions alongside Sarah Solemani and Elizabeth Day and Laura Cotton from World Productions.

The Party launches this autumn on ITV1