British author Elizabeth Day has shared her excitement as her 2017 psychological thriller novel, The Party, makes its way to the small screen as a five-part drama for ITV1 and ITVX. Premiering on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 9 p.m., the ambitious production boasts a five-hour runtime and tackles intricate themes of class, friendship, political ambition, and long-buried secrets.
The adaptation has been nearly a decade in the making since the book’s initial publication. Reflecting on the journey during a recent press screening, Day described the experience as a career highlight. She admitted she had “absolute shivers” watching characters that once lived only in her imagination brought to life by a stellar cast and crew.
From Page to Screen: The Plot of ITV’s The Party
The narrative centres on Martin Gilmour, played by Luke Evans. Martin is a working-class boy raised alone by his mother, Sylvia, played by Joanna Scanlan. Martin’s life pivots when he earns a scholarship to an elite boarding school. There, he meets Ben Fitzmaurice, portrayed by Tom Cullen. Ben is a wealthy student whose friendship grants Martin an elusive sense of belonging.
Thirty years later, their professional paths have diverged. Martin works as a journalist, while Ben has transitioned into a high-profile political career. The central conflict unfolds at Ben’s lavish birthday celebration at the Fitzmaurice country estate, Denby Hall. Coinciding with rumours of the Conservative leader’s impending resignation, the political stakes skyrocket. Martin holds the keys to Ben’s darkest past and worries about exposure, especially when a shocking incident triggers an intense police investigation.
The five-part series uses a non-linear narrative structure. It moves fluidly between present-day investigations, flashbacks to their school and university days, and their frantic London party years.
A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The television adaptation was written and created by award-winning showrunner and actress Sarah Solemani, who also stars in the series as Martin’s pregnant wife, Lucy. Welsh actor Luke Evans not only leads the cast but was instrumental in bringing the book to television. He championed the novel during the pandemic alongside World Productions CEO Simon Heath.
The ensemble cast features notable talents:
- Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour
- Tom Cullen as Ben Fitzmaurice
- Sarah Solemani as Lucy Gilmour
- Joanna Scanlan as Sylvia Gilmour
- Lydia Leonard as Serena Fitzmaurice
- Lindsay Duncan as Lady Katherine Fitzmaurice
- Douglas Hodge as Lord George Fitzmaurice
Additional cast members include Amaka Okafor, Bally Gill, Rakie Ayola, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton, and Sinéad Matthews. Eagle-eyed viewers may even spot author Elizabeth Day herself, who fulfilled a personal wish by appearing briefly as an extra during the lavish party scenes.
Production Background and Release Details
Filming for The Party took place across southern Wales in late 2025. Production utilized locations around Cardiff and the grand Grade II* listed Llanharan House to represent the opulent Denby Hall. For several members of the core cast-including Evans, Scanlan, Cullen, and Ayola-the regional shoot felt like a welcome homecoming.
The drama is scheduled to air on ITV1, STV, and become available for streaming on ITVX starting October 11, 2026. As audiences prepare to dive into the gripping class drama and mystery, Elizabeth Day remains thrilled with the adaptation. She notes that the core message of the story is deeply rooted in personal identity, authenticity, and the cost of trying to fit in.
