ITV has shared a first look at its upcoming five-part drama The Party, starring Downton Abbey's Tom Cullen alongside Luke Evans. The series is an adaptation of Elizabeth Day's novel and is set to air this autumn on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
Cast and Plot Details
The series features Luke Evans, known for The Pembrokeshire Murders, and Tom Cullen as lifelong friends: journalist Martin Glimour and affluent politician Ben Fitzmaurice. Since their school years, for which Martin earned a scholarship, the pair have formed an unbreakable bond as Ben's family gives him a sense of belonging he's always craved. In turn, he remains unquestioningly loyal to them until a party Ben holds three decades later, which spirals into chaos.
Viewers will see the show flip between the night of the party and the events that unfolded that evening, along with a police investigation that follows. There will also be flashbacks to their time at school and lives in London. As the episodes unfold, the 'gripping' series will explore privilege, identity and devotion.
First-Look Images and Fan Reaction
This week, ITV teased what people can expect to see in some first-look images, which see Martin covered in blood while running through the woods. Another shows a tense-looking conversation between the pair, Ben greeting the people at his party, Ben being questioned by the police while still in his bloody clothes, and them in their younger years at school.
Sharing the snaps online, viewers were quick to share their thoughts, with many admitting they can't wait to see the adaptation come to life. One person said: "THIS IS SO EXCITING." Another added: "Oooo can't wait! Loved this book." Someone else commented: "Loved the book, can't wait to see the series." While a fourth shared: "Read the book ... can't wait for the series ... Great casting too...just how I imagined the characters to be."
Producer's Praise and Release Date
Speaking about The Party when it was announced last year, Luke Evans had nothing but praise as he teased the 'gripping exploration' of loyalty and class. He commented: "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."
He added: "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."
The Party will air this autumn on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
