ITV announces “compelling” new betrayal drama with “extraordinary” British cast

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ITV is bringing a new British drama to television soon. Called The Party, the five-episode series explores the complicated friendship between an ordinary man and a very rich one. It’s expected to be similar in tone to the recent hit Saltburn.

The series stars Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour, a journalist who grew up in a working-class family. He develops a close relationship with Ben Fitzmaurice, a wealthy politician portrayed by Tom Cullen, who also hails from Wales.

I can’t believe it’s been thirty years since Martin and Ben first met at boarding school! They’ve been the best of friends ever since, always having each other’s backs. It was so great to see Martin show up at Ben’s huge birthday bash – a real testament to their lasting friendship.

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The party was cut short by the unexpected announcement that the Conservative leader was resigning. Immediately after, Ben declared he would be a candidate to take over the position.

Martin is deeply worried that all the sudden attention will expose secrets from his past. His fears seem justified, as the next five episodes will explore his history with the other person, the events of the party, and the subsequent police investigation.

The main cast is joined by Joanna Scanlan, playing Martin’s mother Sylvia, and Lindsay Duncan and Douglas Hodge as Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice. Lydia Leonard plays Ben’s wife, Serena.

So, I was totally surprised to find out Sarah Solemani, who plays Martin’s wife Lucy in the Bridget Jones series, didn’t just act in the show – she actually created it! She adapted the whole thing from Elizabeth Day’s original novel and is the writer too. Talk about multi-talented!

The show also stars Amaka Okafor, Bally Gill, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton, Sinéad Matthews, and Rakie Ayola.

Evans said he immediately recognized the potential for Elizabeth Day’s novel to become a great TV series. He’s thrilled to now be both starring in and producing the adaptation, titled The Party, through his company, Stoic Productions.

Sarah Solemani’s adaptation beautifully captures the heart and suspense of the story, and I’m thrilled to be working with World Productions and ITV again, along with such a talented cast. The Party is a compelling look at themes of loyalty, social class, and the secrets we keep, and I’m excited for viewers to watch it.

Solemani explained that her new show, The Party, produced by World Productions, will explore difficult themes like class, gender, shame, power dynamics, betrayal, and hidden secrets, and she jokingly described it as ‘airing my dirty laundry’.

Day expressed her enthusiasm for this fresh and imaginative take on her work and has repeatedly offered to appear as an extra in the production.

The Party started filming last month in Wales, and will come to ITV1 and ITVX in the future.

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2025-11-08 17:19