Luke Evans to star in and exec produce ITV's five-part political thriller The Party

Elizabeth Day’s political thriller novel The Party is being adapted for ITV by World Productions.

Penned by Sarah Solemani, the five-part series stars Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben (Tom Cullen).

The story centres on a lavish party of Ben’s, when news of the Conservative party leader’s resignation threatens to derail the festivities. As Ben considers announcing his attention to stand, Martin fears such a bid would dredge up the secrets of their past with terrible consequence.

The series also stars Joanna Scanlan, Lydia Leonard, Lindsay Duncan, Douglas Hodge and Solemani.

World Productions is producing in association with Luke Evans’ Stoic Productions and ITV Studios. World’s chief exec and creative director Simon Heath will exec produce, alongside Evans on behalf of Stoic Productions. Day and Solemani will also exec produce, alongside World’s Laura Cotton.

The series will be directed by Viviane Andereggen (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue) with Nine Bodies colleague Richard Burrell producing.

“From the moment I read Elizabeth Day’s novel, I knew it had the makings of something truly special for television,” said Evans. “To now be bringing The Party to life – both as an actor and as an executive producer through Stoic Productions – is incredibly rewarding.”

The series was commissioned for ITV by director of drama Polly Hill and has commenced filming in Wales. It has received production support from the Welsh government via Creative Wales.

The series will air on ITV1, STV and streaming platforms ITVX and STV Player. ITV Studios will handle global distribution.