Key Points
- Hollywood actor Luke Evans, originally from Pontypool, Wales, has been spotted filming scenes for the upcoming ITV five-episode drama series The Party across south Wales since October 2025.
- Evans portrays journalist Martin Gilmour, a character shaped by his lifelong friendship with wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by fellow Welsh actor Tom Cullen.
- The series is an adaptation of Elizabeth Day’s 2017 novel The Party, described by Evans as having “the makings of something truly special for television” from the moment he read it.
- Filming locations include Roath Park and a bar on Mill Lane in Cardiff, Llanharan House (a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion) in Rhondda Cynon Taf, with Evans also spotted relaxing at Barry Island in the Vale of Glamorgan.
- The thriller narrative alternates between Ben Fitzmaurice’s birthday party and a subsequent police investigation, exploring the duo’s relationship from their private school days through university and into adulthood.
- Additional cast includes Sarah Solemani as Martin’s pregnant wife Lucy (also the series creator and writer), Joanna Scanlan as Martin’s working-class mother Sylvia, alongside Rakie Ayola, Bally Gill, Amaka Okafor, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton, and Sinéad Matthews.
- Produced by World Productions (known for The Pembrokeshire Murders), directed by Viviane Andereggen, and produced by Richard Burrell; supported by Creative Wales.
- No confirmed release date yet, but expected sometime in 2026 on ITV1 and ITVX, with filming ongoing into early 2026.
- Evans has a busy schedule, including a Broadway debut in a revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show musical in March 2026.
South Wales, ITV (The Wales Times) January 28, 2026 – Hollywood actor Luke Evans has been spotted filming scenes for an upcoming drama across south Wales, drawing attention from local media and fans alike. The five-episode ITV series The Party, adapted from Elizabeth Day’s novel, stars the Welsh-born actor as journalist Martin Gilmour.
Who is Luke Evans playing in The Party?
Luke Evans takes the lead role of Martin Gilmour, a journalist whose life is defined by his intense, decades-long friendship with charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice. As reported by BBC News, Evans stated: “From the moment I read Elizabeth Day’s novel, I knew it had the makings of something truly special for television.”
Raised by his working-class single mother Sylvia, played by Joanna Scanlan, Martin secures a scholarship to an elite private boarding school where he first meets Ben. According to Drama Quarterly,
“They forge an unbreakable bond, as Ben and the Fitzmaurices give Martin the sense of belonging he has always craved. In turn, Martin remains unflinchingly loyal to Ben through even the greatest crises.”
The Radio Times describes the series as “a gripping psychological narrative of obsession and betrayal unfolding during a dinner gathering,” with Evans’ character navigating themes of identity, privilege, and loyalty.
What is the plot of The Party ITV series?
The story unfolds across five episodes, shifting between politician Ben Fitzmaurice’s lavish 40th birthday party at the Fitzmaurice family’s country estate and the police investigation into a shocking incident that occurs there. As detailed by BBC News,
“The thriller will move between the birthday party of politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Welsh actor Tom Cullen, and the police investigation that follows.”
Flashbacks trace Martin and Ben’s relationship from their school days, through university, and their adventures in London society. Drama Quarterly notes:
“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.”
Elizabeth Day’s original novel, as summarised by Hachette Book Group, centres on “a taut psychological tale of obsession and betrayal set over the course of a dinner party,” where Martin and his wife Lucy attend amid champagne, drugs, and elite guests, leading to irrevocable changes.
Where has The Party been filmed in Wales?
Filming for The Party commenced in late October 2025 across multiple south Wales locations, supported by the Welsh Government through Creative Wales. BBC News reports specific sightings:
“Evans spotted capturing scenes at Roath Park in Cardiff and a bar on Mill Lane in the city’s core…. Additionally, production has taken place in the nearby Rhondda Cynon Taf region, specifically at Llanharan House, a Georgian mansion that is listed as Grade II.”
WalesOnline highlights Evans filming in “one of Cardiff’s beloved parks,” confirming activity in Cardiff and surrounding areas. Off-set, Evans was seen enjoying Barry Island in the Vale of Glamorgan, as per BBC coverage.
TV Guide UK anticipates “some familiar bars and areas in London,” though Wales remains the primary confirmed site so far.
Who are the key cast members in The Party?
Alongside Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour and Tom Cullen as Ben Fitzmaurice, the ensemble features notable British talent. Radio Times lists Sarah Solemani as Lucy, Martin’s expectant wife and the series’ creator/writer; Leonard (playing Serena, Ben’s wife); Duncan as Lady Fitzmaurice; and Douglas as Lord Fitzmaurice, with further cast including Sam Troughton (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth), Sally Scott (Crow), Sinéad Matthews (Cemetery Road, Ballyslow), Amaka Okafor (Secret Service), Bally Gill (Slow Horses), and Rakie Ayola (Falling).
Good Housekeeping confirms:
“Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers) as Martin Gilmour, Tom Cullen (House of the Dragon) as Ben Fitzmaurice, Joanna Scanlan (Riot Women) as Sylvia.”
World Productions, behind hits like The Pembrokeshire Murders, produces the series.
What is the background of Elizabeth Day’s novel The Party?
Elizabeth Day’s 2017 novel The Party forms the basis for ITV’s adaptation, praised for its exploration of class, loyalty, and hidden secrets. As per Books Are My Favourite and Best:
“Usually the outsider, Martin meets the charismatic and wealthy Ben Fitzmaurice and via him, gains access to society’s elite. The boys develop a close friendship.”
Years of Reading Selfishly recounts:
“At Ben’s 40th birthday party, the great and the good of British society are gathering… Amid the hundreds of guests – the politicians, the celebrities, the old-money and newly rich – Martin once again feels that disturbing pang of not-quite belonging.”
An ‘incident’ propels the police inquiry.
Evans, via WalesOnline, called it a “captivating examination of loyalty, social class, and the secrets we conceal.”
When will The Party air on ITV?
Filming began in October 2025 and continues into 2026, with no official premiere date announced. Cultbox predicts: “With filming just commenced in Wales, we expect the show to appear in 2026.”
TV Guide UK echoes:
“Don’t expect to see it until sometime in 2026, given that production only commenced in October 2025. The series will air on both ITV and STV and their respective streaming platforms, ITVX and STV Player.”
Red Online adds: “Filming started in Wales during October 2025, and whilst we don’t have the official release date yet, the five part drama will be aired on ITV1 and ITVX.”
Why is this production significant for Wales?
The Party underscores Wales’ rising profile in high-profile TV production, backed by Creative Wales. BBC News notes Evans, “Pontypool-born,” reuniting with Welsh locations and talent like Tom Cullen.
It highlights local landmarks from Cardiff’s urban parks to Rhondda’s historic houses, boosting the economy and showcasing regional heritage. Evans’ involvement, as a Rhymney Valley native per WalesOnline, adds authentic star power.
What else is Luke Evans working on?
Amid The Party, Evans prepares for a Broadway debut in a revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show musical launching in March 2026. BBC reports: “This year promises to be particularly busy for him.”
His credits span Hollywood (Fast & Furious), ITV (The Pembrokeshire Murders), and more (Nine Perfect Strangers), cementing his versatility.
