ITV unveils first-look images for gripping new drama The Party starring Luke Evans and Tom Cullen

ITV has unveiled a first look at its highly anticipated new drama The Party, giving viewers their first glimpse at the five-part series based on Elizabeth Day’s acclaimed novel of the same name.

The gripping new drama is set to air on ITV1 and STV, as well as being available to stream on ITVX and STV Player this autumn.

First Look - The Party (Credit: Supplied ITV)

Created for television by award-winning showrunner Sarah Solemani, whose previous credits include Chivalry and Ridley Road, The Party brings together an impressive cast led by Luke Evans, Tom Cullen and BAFTA Award-winning actress Joanna Scanlan.

Luke Evans stars as Martin Gilmour, a journalist whose life has been shaped by his lifelong friendship with wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen.

Martin grew up with his working-class mum Sylvia, played by Joanna Scanlan, and later wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school. It is there that he meets Ben, with the pair forming an intense friendship that will go on to define much of Martin's life.

For Martin, the Fitzmaurice family offers something he has always longed for a sense of belonging and acceptance into a world very different from the one he grew up in.

In return, Martin becomes fiercely loyal to Ben, standing by his friend through some of the biggest crises of his life.

First Look - The Party (Credit: Supplied ITV)

But decades later, their seemingly unbreakable bond is put under enormous pressure.

Martin is invited to Ben's lavish birthday celebrations at the Fitzmaurice family's country estate. However, the party quickly takes an unexpected turn when news breaks that Ben, the Conservative Party leader, has resigned. With the political world watching, Ben begins considering whether to announce his intention to stand for the leadership, a decision that could bring renewed attention to his past.

For Martin, that possibility is terrifying. He is acutely aware that the publicity surrounding Ben's political ambitions could expose long-buried secrets from their shared past, with devastating consequences for both men. The series moves between the events of the dramatic birthday party and the police investigation that follows, while flashbacks take viewers back through Martin and Ben's formative years, from their time at school and university to their wild London party days.

At its heart, The Party promises to be much more than a political thriller, exploring themes of identity, privilege, friendship, loyalty and the lengths people will go to protect the lives they have built.

The drama also looks at the complicated relationship between class and belonging, and what happens when a friendship forged in childhood is tested by ambition, secrets and the passage of time.

First Look - The Party (Credit: Supplied ITV)

With Luke Evans taking on the role of Martin and Tom Cullen playing Ben, the series also brings together two compelling performers to portray a friendship that has endured for three decades – but may not survive what is about to be uncovered.

The Party is commissioned for ITV by Director of Drama Polly Hill, with international distribution being handled by ITV Studios.

The Party will air on ITV1 and STV and stream on ITVX and STV Player this autumn.