ITV has commissioned new drama The Party now filming in Wales

ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill has 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).

What is The Party about

From the press release:

Raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, played by 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.

Who else is in the series

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), Rakie Ayola (Falling, The Pact 2, Grace), Sally Scott (Crow Girl, Black Doves, The Tower), Sam Troughton (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, Mank, Chernobyl), and Sinéad Matthews (Down Cemetery Road, Hullraisers, The Crown).

With filming just commenced in Wales, we expect the show to appear in 2026. As ever, we’ll keep you posted.