New ‘secrets of the past’ drama is made in Wales

LUKE EVANS is to reunite with ITV and the makers of The Pembrokeshire Murders for a new five-part drama, made in Wales.

- KATHRYN WILLIAMS

The Party is based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day and will star Aberbargoed’s Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers, Murder Mystery, Fast and Furious franchise and ITV'S The Pembrokeshire Murders) as Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by fellow Welsh star from Aberystwyth and Cardiff, Tom Cullen (The Gold, Trespasses, House of the Dragon).

The plot sees Evans’ character raised by his working-class mother, Sylvia, played by Denbighshire-bred Bafta award-winning Joanna Scanlan (After Love, Riot Women) and winning a scholarship to a boarding school, where he meets Ben.

‘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.

Jumping three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben's birthday party at the Fitzmaurices’ country pile.