Our top TV picks!
Luke Evans & Elizabeth Day on bringing ‘The Party’ to life
A gripping five-part drama based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day, ‘The Party’ stars a stellar cast, including Luke Evans (‘Fast and Furious’ franchise, ‘Murder Mystery’, ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and ITV’s ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’) as Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen (‘The Gold’, ‘Trespasses’, ‘House of the Dragon’).
“From the moment I read Elizabeth Day’s novel, I knew it had the makings of something truly special for television,” Luke reveals. “‘The Party’ is a gripping exploration of loyalty, class, and the truths we hide.”
Secrets of the past…
Raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, played by BAFTA award-winning Joanna Scanlan (‘After Love’, ‘Riot Women’), Martin wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school, where he first meets Ben. The boys 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 of crises.
Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben’s lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurices’ 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…
Shocking party events
The drama moves between the shocking events of the party and the police investigation that follows, with flashbacks to Martin and Ben’s lives at school, university and London party days.
What unfolds is a fascinating exploration of identity, privilege and devotion, combined with an ode to anyone who has fought to live authentically.
Filmed in Wales during the autumn of 2025, ‘The Party’ has received support from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.
Class, sex, shame, power, betrayal & secrets
‘The Party’ was written and created for ITV by award-winning showrunner Sarah Solemani (‘Chivalry’, ‘Ridley Road’, ‘Barry’ as writer, acting credits ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy’, ‘Chivalry’), who also stars as Martin’s pregnant wife, Lucy, while Lydia Leonard (‘Ten Percent’, ‘Gentleman Jack’, ‘Wolf Hall’) plays Serena, Ben’s formidable wife and Lindsay Duncan (‘The Morning Show’, ‘His Dark Materials’) and Douglas Hodge (‘The Night Manager’, ‘The Great’) play Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice.
Also starring Amaka Okafor (‘Secret Service’, ‘Bodies’), Bally Gill (‘Slow Horses’, ‘Interview With The Vampire’), Rakie Ayola (‘Falling’, ‘Grace’), Sally Scott (‘Crow Girl’, ‘The Tower’), Sam Troughton (‘Lockerbie: A Search for Truth’, ‘Chernobyl’), and Sinéad Matthews (‘Hullraisers’, ‘The Crown’).
The drama is produced by acclaimed independent producers, World Productions (‘Until I Kill You’, ‘Line of Duty’, ‘Malpractice’, ‘Vigil’, ‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’) in association with Luke Evans’ Stoic Productions and ITV Studios.
“Class, sex, shame, power, betrayal, secrets - stunned ITV are letting me air my dirty laundry for our new show ‘The Party’, stewarded by the legendary World Productions,” says Sarah Solemani.
Led by multi-award-winning Executive Producer, Simon Heath, CEO and Creative Director of World Productions, alongside Luke Evans who is an Executive Producer on behalf of his company Stoic Productions, Sarah Solemani and Elizabeth Day also act as Executive Producers, together with Laura Cotton from World Productions.
Bringing The Party to life
“Sarah Solemani’s adaptation captures the emotional depth and tension of the story perfectly,” says Luke. “To now be bringing ‘The Party’ to life - both as an actor and as an Executive Producer through Stoic Productions - is incredibly rewarding.”
“I am so thrilled to see this wonderful adaptation of my novel, ‘The Party’, come to our screens,” says Elizabeth.
“To be surrounded by this much talent both in front of and behind the camera is a real career highlight. I am incredibly grateful to the brilliant Luke Evans for championing my book in the first place, and to everyone at World Productions and ITV who have been so steadfast in their vision for this project.
“I'm also very grateful to Sarah Solemani for lending her myriad talents to the adaptation. It's unbelievably exciting to witness my characters and the imagined world they inhabit evolving into this compelling, new creative iteration.”
The series is directed by Viviane Andereggen (‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’) with Richard Burrell (‘All Creatures Great and Small’) producing.
“To collaborate once again with World Productions and ITV, alongside such an extraordinary cast, is a real privilege,” says Luke.
‘The Party’ airs on ITV1 and STV and is available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.
Photo credit: © ITV’s ‘The Party’
Top TV picks for the spooky season
Close the curtains, dim the lights and prepare for a frightfully good night in!
From classic chillers, spine-tingling new thrillers and paranormal podcasts to creepy quizzes, supernatural mysteries, ghostly comedies and fun family-friendly adventures, there's something spooktacular for all on our screens this Halloween.
We've rounded up some wickedly entertaining TV treats to get you into the spooky spirit, with plenty of spine-chilling entertainment for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re watching from the sofa, or hiding behind it!
Family-friendly frights
BBC iPlayer
Halloween doesn't have to be terrifying! For gentle family-friendly frights, younger viewers can join Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang as they investigate haunted houses, strange creatures and spooky mysteries.
There's more supernatural fun in ‘Fright Krewe’, which follows a group of teenagers battling an ancient evil, while ‘The Worst Witch’ offers magical mishaps and charming adventures with trainee witch Mildred Hubble.
Proof that even the littlest monsters can join in the Halloween fun!
The Addams Family
ITVX
They're creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky – and they're ALWAYS entertaining.
Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia and Christina Ricci star in this much-loved dark comedy about the wonderfully macabre Addams family, whose peculiar household is thrown into chaos by a sinister plot to steal their fortune.
With its gothic setting, gloriously eccentric characters and wicked sense of humour, if you fancy a freaky film night, this hugely popular spooktacular movie is the perfect choice for viewers who prefer their Halloween scares with a generous helping of laughs.
Wednesday
Netflix
In this fang-tastic ‘Addams Family’ spin-off, Jenna Ortega is brilliantly deadpan as Wednesday Addams, the sharp-tongued teenager who finds herself at Nevermore Academy, a school for supernatural outcasts.
But fitting in is the least of her worries when mysterious deaths, family secrets and sinister forces begin to emerge.
Packed with gothic atmosphere, dark humour and supernatural intrigue, you’re in for a deliciously twisted treat.
Ghosts
BBC iPlayer
Who says ghosts have to be scary? When cash-strapped couple Alison and Mike inherit a sprawling country estate, they think their luck has finally changed. There's just one small problem – the house is already occupied by a collection of eccentric spirits who aren't particularly keen on their new housemates.
From the team behind ‘Horrible Histories’, this wonderfully witty comedy delivers plenty of supernatural silliness without the nightmares.
Strictly Come Dancing: Halloween Week
BBC One
The ‘Strictly’ ballroom gets a spooky makeover on Saturday 31st October as the celebrities and their professional partners take to the dance floor for the show's legendary Halloween special.
Expect creepy costumes, spectacular make-up and spine-tingling dance routines as the couples attempt to impress the judges with their moves. With plenty of tricks, treats and theatrical surprises, it's set to be a frightfully entertaining evening.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
ITVX
She's a teenager with homework, friendships and the occasional romantic disaster to worry about. Oh, and she's also responsible for saving the world from vampires, demons and other creatures of the night!
Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as Buffy Summers in this cult supernatural drama, which blends action, horror, humour and teenage angst.
With plenty of sinister villains and memorable monsters, it's an ideal Halloween binge.
Generation Z
Channel 4
Growing old has never been quite so terrifying!
When an army convoy overturns near a care home, a mysterious chemical spill transforms its elderly residents into flesh-hungry zombies, plunging an ordinary British town into chaos.
Created by Ben Wheatley, this darkly comic six-part horror drama features Sue Johnston, Robert Lindsay and Johnny Vegas among its ensemble cast.
Expect outrageous scares, gruesome surprises and a wickedly funny clash between the generations.
What We Do in the Shadows
BBC iPlayer
Being a vampire isn't all glamour, especially when you're sharing a house with other members of the undead.
Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak and Natasia Demetriou star in this deliciously dark mockumentary following a group of dysfunctional vampires living in suburban Staten Island.
Between bloodthirsty adventures and arguments over household chores, it's a wonderfully ridiculous supernatural comedy that's guaranteed to raise a laugh.
The Changeling
Apple TV
A seemingly perfect romance takes a terrifying turn in this dark fantasy thriller starring LaKeith Stanfield.
When his wife mysteriously disappears, Apollo embarks on a desperate search through a hidden, nightmarish side of New York, where ancient myths and unsettling secrets come to life.
Blending psychological horror with folklore and mystery, this eerie tale is ideal for viewers looking for something a little different this Halloween.
Uncanny
BBC iPlayer
Do you believe in ghosts? Danny Robins, the man behind the hit paranormal podcast, investigates extraordinary stories of unexplained encounters, eerie happenings and things that simply cannot be explained.
Perfect for anyone who loves a good ghost story, combining chilling eyewitness accounts with expert opinions, ‘Uncanny’ invites viewers to decide for themselves whether something supernatural is really going on.
Servant
Apple TV
From filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan comes this deeply unsettling psychological thriller about a Philadelphia couple struggling to cope with an unimaginable family tragedy.
When a mysterious young nanny enters their home, a series of increasingly disturbing events begins to unfold.
Starring Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Rupert Grint and Nell Tiger Free, ‘Servant’ combines family secrets, supernatural uncertainty and slow-burning suspense to chilling effect.
The Haunting of Hill House
Netflix
Finally, if you're after something truly terrifying, this acclaimed supernatural drama should do the trick!
Following the troubled Crain family across two timelines, the series explores the horrifying events that unfolded in their childhood home and the devastating consequences that continue to haunt them as adults.
Expect an unsettling atmosphere, shocking twists and a deeply emotional storyline.
Other autumn TV highlights include:
The Blame
ITV1 / ITVX
Michelle Keegan takes centre stage in this gripping six-part crime thriller as DI Emma Crane, a detective investigating a murder in the fictional town of Wakestead.
Working alongside DI Tom Radley (Douglas Booth), Emma initially believes they have identified their prime suspect. But an unexpected lead soon turns the investigation on its head, revealing a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups and moral compromise.
As the case unfolds, Emma begins to question the people closest to her, leaving her wondering who she can really trust.
Based on Charlotte Langley's debut novel of the same name, the drama also stars Ian Hart as DCI Kenneth Walker and promises a compelling mix of mystery, personal drama and unexpected twists.
The Box
ITV1 / ITVX
Gary Lineker hosts this unpredictable celebrity competition in which ten famous faces are thrust into the unknown, with no idea what challenges await them.
From Joey Essex and Ranvir Singh to Graeme Souness, Sara Davies and Jenny Ryan, the contestants are transported inside bright yellow boxes to secret locations across the country.
Once the doors open, they must tackle a series of physical, mental and mischievous challenges, often with little or no guidance.
As the pressure mounts, two contestants go head-to-head in The Duel at the end of each episode, battling to avoid elimination.
With surprising twists, mind-bending puzzles and plenty of opportunities for things to go hilariously wrong, ‘The Box’ puts its celebrity contestants firmly outside their comfort zones.
Trigger Point – Series Four
ITV1 / ITVX
Vicky McClure reprises her role as fearless bomb-disposal expert Lana Washington in the fourth series of this high-stakes crime thriller.
As a member of London's specialist explosives team, known as EXPOs, Lana faces extraordinary danger as she and her colleagues work to protect the capital from explosive devices and terrorist threats.
With lives hanging in the balance, the team must rely on nerves of steel, expert judgement and split-second decisions to keep the public safe.
Produced by Jed Mercurio's HTM Television, the latest instalment promises more of the tension and edge-of-your-seat drama that has made ‘Trigger Point’ a hit with viewers.
Winter
ITV1 / ITVX
Richard Armitage and Annabel Scholey join forces in this gripping six-part forensic crime drama set in Bristol.
Armitage stars as Dr Ethan Winter, a brilliant but unconventional pathologist whose remarkable ability to uncover clues from the dead makes him an invaluable asset to murder investigations.
His rule-breaking methods bring him into an unlikely partnership with DI Lauren Bell (Scholey), a meticulous detective who prefers to do things by the book.
Together, they tackle a different crime in each episode, combining forensic expertise with sharp detective work to uncover the truth.
But Winter is concealing a troubling secret of his own. Haunted by the unsolved murder of someone close to him, he is carrying out an unofficial investigation that threatens to consume him.