Tom Cullen Reveals Luke Evans Invited Him to ITV Drama The Party

Welsh actor Tom Cullen has described how a personal voice message from Luke Evans led him to join ITV's drama The Party, in which the two actors portray characters whose lives have been connected for decades. Cullen shared the story on social media while reflecting on their first meeting in 2009 and their subsequent opportunity to work together in Wales.

The drama follows Martin Glimour, played by Evans, a journalist whose longstanding relationship with wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice, portrayed by Cullen, began at an elite boarding school. According to the source report, an invitation to Ben's party three decades later sets off events that change both men's lives.

Cullen also shared behind-the-scenes photographs and acknowledged the cast and production team after missing promotional events because he had been away working. In his Instagram post, he thanked those involved in bringing the production to the screen.

Reflecting on the series and the people behind it, Cullen wrote:

"I've been away working so I've missed ALL the fun of introducing The Party to the world. So here is my contribution…some pics taken of a small handful of the brilliant people that made this all happen. We had an absolute giggle making it, I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do." Cullen wrote on Instagram.

Cullen also thanked Evans, Sarah Solemani, production company World Productions and author Elizabeth Day for their contributions to the drama. He explained that Evans personally approached him about playing Ben, turning a professional connection into an opportunity to share the screen.

Describing the invitation that brought him into the project, Cullen wrote:

"When @thereallukeevans left me a voice note asking me to play opposite him as Ben, I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do." Cullen said.

Cullen traced their relationship back to a casting session in 2009, when they met during one of his early auditions. He recalled sitting with Evans at the bottom of a staircase, feeling nervous while the other actor appeared composed.

Remembering their first encounter and the impression Evans made on him, Cullen wrote:

"In 2009, at one of my first ever auditions, I met Luke for the first time. We were sat at the bottom of some stairs at a casting. I was nervous as hell.

He was cool as a cucumber. We talked about our love of Wales and where we might be headed next. He was kind, warm and tried his best to put me at ease, knowing how nervous I was.

I've never forgotten it. Safe to say he got that job and I didn't, but I've been the biggest fan of his ever since. It was a privilege and a joy bringing Martin and Ben to life together.

And to do it while filming in Wales, made it extra special. So fun to work and play with. What a guy he is."

Cullen said.

The production gave the actors an opportunity to work together in Wales, a setting Cullen said made the experience particularly special. His account highlighted both the early encounter that shaped his impression of Evans and the personal invitation that eventually brought them together on screen.