The fifth and final episode of ITV's psychological thriller The Party airs tonight (Monday, October 19), and the broadcaster has confirmed that a new drama titled Adultery will take its place in the schedule from Sunday, October 25.
The Party is a five-part series based on the novel by Elizabeth Day, starring Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen. Raised alone by his working-class mother Sylvia, played by BAFTA award-winning Joanna Scanlan, Martin wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school where he first meets Ben, and the two forge an unbreakable bond.
Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben's lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurice country estate. The news of the Conservative leader's resignation threatens to derail the event as Ben considers announcing his intention to stand. Martin fears the publicity that Ben's bid would bring, dredging up secrets of their past with tragic consequences.
Final episode synopsis
The synopsis for the finale reads: "Martin confronts Ben with a gun in his hand. Years of pain and anger spill out. But Ben grabs the gun and reveals the depths of his own despair. A gunshot rings out."
Serena discovers Martin covered in Ben's blood and tells the police she saw him with the gun. Martin once again finds himself in custody, with evidence mounting against him as Ben fights for his life in hospital. In the chaos of the party aftermath at Denby Hall, Jarvis's stash of cocaine is found by police and he is arrested.
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.
Possible second series
It is yet to be confirmed whether The Party will return for a second series, but cast member Lydia Leonard, who plays Serena Fitzmaurice, has hinted that it could be on the cards. Asked how viewers will react, she told ITV: "I hope it will have people saying to their friends, 'Have you seen this amazing drama?'"
She added: "I think it's gripping and suspenseful and surprising. I hope it will leave audiences wanting to know what happens to these characters next. I mean, Elizabeth has written a sequel that is just waiting to be adapted for television."
Adultery takes over the slot
The Party will be replaced by Adultery, a "scandalous" and "provocative" drama starring Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai as Tom Kirkman and Beth Brookes, who meet after a chance encounter and become involved in a heady affair that risks tearing apart both of their families.
Episode one airs this Sunday (October 25) at 9pm, with the second instalment following on Monday (October 26) at 9pm. The full series of The Party is available to watch on ITVX.
