Luke Evans has reflected on identity, happiness and the importance of living authentically while discussing his new ITV drama The Party.
Evans stars as Martin Gilmour, a political journalist whose life is thrown into turmoil after a shooting at an extravagant birthday celebration. While the character’s circumstances are very different from his own, the actor said he recognized some of the emotional themes at the center of Martin’s story.
Luke Evans reflects on authenticity
In an interview with Radio Times, Evans discussed the damage that can come from suppressing a person’s true identity. He said he was fortunate to find supportive friends and a sense of belonging relatively early in his own life, while acknowledging that others can spend much longer struggling to feel comfortable with who they are.
The actor broadened the point beyond sexuality, saying he hopes people can find fulfillment and confidence in their own voice. He also referenced the famous Rocky Horror Picture Show message “Don’t dream it, be it,” after recently playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter on Broadway.
Evans described life as short and encouraged people not to spend it only imagining the person they want to become.
The Party brings Evans back to ITV drama
The Party is adapted from Elizabeth Day’s novel and stars Evans alongside Tom Cullen. Evans plays Martin, who attends the birthday celebration of longtime friend and Conservative MP Ben Fitzmaurice before a gunshot changes the course of the gathering.
Radio Times published the interview on October 11, 2026, ahead of the drama’s ITV1 broadcast. Evans’ personal reflections add another layer to a story built around secrets, identity and the consequences of choices made over many years.