The Party, the ITV drama starring Luke Evans and Tom Cullen, airs its final episode tonight, with a cast member hinting that a second series could follow. The five-part series, adapted from Elizabeth Day's novel, follows Martin Gilmour, a journalist played by Evans, whose life has been shaped by his friendship with the wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice, portrayed by Cullen.
Martin, raised by his working-class mother Sylvia, played by BAFTA-winning Joanna Scanlan, wins a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school where he meets Ben. Their bond deepens as Ben's family gives Martin a sense of belonging, and Martin remains loyal to Ben through difficult times. Thirty years later, Martin is invited to Ben's extravagant birthday celebration at the Fitzmaurice family estate.
Series Finale Details
The Conservative leader's resignation threatens to overshadow Ben's party as he considers running for the position. Martin fears the media scrutiny that Ben's campaign would attract, which could expose secrets from their shared past with devastating consequences. The drama shifts between the party's shocking events, the subsequent police inquiry, and flashbacks to Martin and Ben's school, university, and London social life.
The synopsis for the final episode, airing Monday, October 19, states: "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."
Sequel Possibility and Replacement
Whether The Party will return for a second series remains unconfirmed, though Lydia Leonard, who plays Serena Fitzmaurice, has suggested it's a possibility. She previously told ITV: "I hope it will have people saying to their friends, 'Have you seen this amazing drama?'. 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."
The Party will be replaced by Adultery, a new "scandalous" and "provocative" drama starring Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai as Tom Kirkman and Beth Brookes, whose chance meeting leads to a passionate affair that threatens both their families. The first episode airs Sunday, October 25 at 9pm, with the second on Monday, October 26 at 9pm. The full series of The Party is available on ITVX.
