❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

ITV's starry "high-stakes" Luke Evans thriller The Party finally gets air date confirmed

The five-part drama lands across three nights this October.

Luke Evans in a bloodied shirt.

ITV

Published: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 4:50 pm

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 weeks for £10, including the Christmas double issue

ITV has confirmed when its starry thriller The Party will finally reach viewers, with the five-part drama set to air across three consecutive nights on ITV1 and ITVX this autumn.

Ad

The Party will premiere on Sunday 11 October at 9pm on ITV1, continuing on Monday 12 October and Tuesday 13 October, before the remaining episodes complete the run.

The scheduling news follows an exclusive first-look trailer shared with Radio Times, in which a bloodied Evans is seen walking into a police station to be questioned about the night before, intercut with flashes of a lavish party and the sound of a gunshot.

Adapted by award-winning showrunner Sarah Solemani from Elizabeth Day's novel, the series was commissioned by ITV last year as a taut psychological tale of obsession and betrayal set over the course of a dinner party. Evans leads as Martin Gilmour, opposite The Gold's Tom Cullen as wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice, whose decades-long friendship sits at the drama's centre.

Tom Cullen in a suit.

Tom Cullen as Ben Fitzmaurice in The Party. ITV

The cast also includes BAFTA winner Joanna Scanlan as Martin's mother Sylvia, alongside Lydia Leonard as Serena Fitzmaurice, Lindsay Duncan as Lady Katherine Fitzmaurice and Douglas Hodge as Lord George Fitzmaurice. Solemani, who adapted the novel, also appears in the drama.

The official synopsis reads: "Raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, played by BAFTA award-winning Joanna Scanlan (After Love) Martin wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school, where he first meets Ben. They forge an unbreakable bond, as Ben and the Fitzmaurice's give Martin the sense of belonging he has always craved."

It continues: "In turn, Martin remains unflinchingly loyal to Ben through even the greatest crises. Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben's lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurice's country pile. The news of the Conservative leader's resignation threatens to derail Ben's party, as he considers announcing his intention to stand. Martin fears the publicity that Ben's bid would bring, dredging up the secrets of their past with tragic consequences…"

Read more:

The drama moves between the events of the party and the police investigation that follows, with flashbacks to Martin and Ben's lives at school, university and their London party days.

On the series being commissioned, Evans said: "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."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

The Party is on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday 11 October 2026 and will be available to stream on ITVX.

Add The Party to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Morgan Cormack, smiling against a lime green background

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...