The Gold star teases “corrosive and toxic” themes in ITV’s new drama set to be ‘special TV’

by

Tom Cullen, known for his role in The Gold, has hinted that his new ITV drama, The Party, will explore difficult and damaging relationships. The series, based on Elizabeth Day’s novel, centers on the connection between a journalist from a working-class background, Martin Gilmour, and a wealthy politician, Ben Fitzmaurice.

They first became close friends at boarding school, forming a strong connection that lasted for three decades. They reconnect at a lavish birthday party for Ben, but their friendship faces a challenge when Ben reveals his intention to run for leader of the Conservative party.

Martin (Luke Evans) worries that Ben’s political campaign will bring unwanted attention to their shared past, likely exposing secrets. The five-part series reveals their complex history, the events of the party, and the subsequent police investigation.

The show follows two boys who fall in love, and explores how external pressures force them to hide their relationship. This secrecy ultimately damages and poisons their connection, as they struggle with the difficulties around them,” Cullen explained to reporters at ITV Showcase.

Honestly, I think the show is really about how damaging it is when you can’t just be yourself. It’s like, pretending to be someone you’re not eats away at you, and that’s what the whole thing is about, at least to me.

What to Read Next

The show’s complicated relationship issues are made even more intense by the clashing personalities of the families involved. We meet Martin’s mother, Sylvia, played by Joanna Scanlan, along with Ben’s parents, the aristocratic Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice (played by Lindsay Duncan and Douglas Hodge), and Ben’s wife, Serena (Lydia Leonard).

The show’s creator, Sarah Solemani, also plays the character of Lucy, Martin’s wife who is expecting a baby. The cast also includes Amaka Okafor, Bally Gill, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton, Sinéad Matthews, and Rakie Ayola.

I immediately recognized the potential for Elizabeth Day’s novel to become a fantastic TV series,” Evans shared. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to now be involved in bringing The Party to the screen, both as an actor and a producer through my company, Stoic Productions.

Sarah Solemani’s adaptation beautifully captures the heart and suspense of the story, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to work again with World Productions and ITV, as well as such a talented cast. The Party is a compelling story about loyalty, social class, and the secrets we keep, and I’m excited for viewers to watch it.

The Party will air on ITV1 and ITVX, with a release date yet to be announced.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a vibrant 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

Read More

2026-04-24 21:19