Luke Evans reveals religious upbringing left him feeling like an ‘outsider’ as he takes on personal ITV role

Luke Evans has revealed how growing up in a religious household left him feeling like an "outsider", as he reflected on the personal experiences he drew upon for his latest ITV role.

The Welsh actor stars as Martin Gilmour in the upcoming five-part psychological thriller The Party, adapted from Elizabeth Day's acclaimed novel of the same name.

Mr Evans's character comes from a working-class background before winning a scholarship to an elite boarding school, where he forms an intense friendship with the wealthy and privileged Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen.

Speaking at a Q&A attended by GB News, Mr Evans explained while his own upbringing differed from Martin's, he could relate strongly to the character's experience of feeling as though he did not belong.

Reflecting on the similarities between himself and Martin, Mr Evans said: "I think that's probably why I resonated with the story in the first place when I read the book."

The actor recalled "coming from a small village, going to London at 17, not knowing anyone or anything" and "being brought up in a religious background".

He explained after arriving in London and going to college, he felt "very much like an outsider", admitting he had little idea what he wanted to do beyond knowing he could sing.

Mr Evans said those experiences helped him connect with Martin, whose working-class upbringing and entrance into an elite environment leave him navigating dramatically different social worlds.

The subject of class and belonging was also explored by the show's writer and star Sarah Solemani, who argued Britain's class system continues to shape people's lives and opportunities.

Ms Solemani said: "I was very compelled by the class component of the show."

She added: "The British class system remains the most enduring social power hierarchy in the Western world, if not in the world."

The actress and screenwriter argued Britons often make light of class divisions but said the consequences could be far more significant.

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She said: "We're always very British about it and we kind of make jokes about ourselves and each other."

Ms Solemani, who now lives in Los Angeles, said living outside Britain had also changed the way she viewed the country's class system.

"I love being British, and I love our quirks and our eccentricities, but at the same time, they say a British man is born branded on the tongue," she explained.

"So the way you speak will inform the kind of life you have and the opportunities that are available to you.

"And so I think we should recognise that's problematic in our culture, in our society, to have such a stratified form of organising human beings."

Mr Evans's character finds himself navigating precisely that divide in The Party.

The drama follows Martin and Ben across three decades after their friendship begins at boarding school.

Years later, Martin is invited to Ben's lavish 40th birthday celebration at the Fitzmaurice family's country estate, Denby Hall.

Ben, now a politician, is considering a leadership bid following the resignation of the Conservative Party leader when the celebration takes a dramatic turn after a shooting.

The story moves between the subsequent police investigation and flashbacks exploring the secrets, scandals and loyalties connecting the two men.

Mr Evans also serves as an executive producer on the drama, while Solemani plays Martin's pregnant wife Lucy alongside writing the adaptation.

Joanna Scanlan stars as Martin's working-class mother Sylvia, with Lindsay Duncan, Douglas Hodge and Lydia Leonard also among the cast.

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