The BBC has released the first trailer for The Split Up, the highly anticipated spin-off from the hit BBC drama The Split. Fans have already expressed their excitement, with many declaring they 'can't wait' after the teaser dropped.
What Is The Split Up About?
The original series, The Split, starred Nicola Walker and focused on a female-led family law firm, chronicling the turbulent breakdown of her marriage. It aired from 2018 to 2022, followed by a two-part special in 2024. Viewers were heartbroken when the legal drama concluded, but the BBC quickly announced that The Split Up would fill the void.
Set in Manchester, the new series explores 'the charged world of Manchester's high-net-worth divorce circuit' and the Kishan Law family – 'a powerhouse British-South Asian family firm, and the go-to for the city's elite'.
Cast and Characters
Ritu Arya takes the lead as Aria Kishan, who is preparing to take over the firm from her father Dhruv, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar. The cast also includes Aysha Kala, Arian Nik, and Danny Ashok as her siblings and partner. Additional cast members include Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, and Shalini Peiris, with guest appearances from Lenny Henry and Jameela Jamil.
The BBC's synopsis reveals: 'In The Split Up, the death of Aria's mother has cast a new light over succession plans for Dhruv, who has begun to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on this responsibility single-handedly.' Aria's relationship is also under scrutiny as her wedding to long-term partner Neal approaches, but with their personal and professional lives intertwined, it's unclear if their relationship can withstand more pressure – especially when a former secret flame (Dimitri Leonidas) arrives in Manchester unexpectedly.
First Look Trailer
In the first look trailer, Aria is caught off guard when a mysterious stranger from her past enters the office, only to find out he has become the firm's new senior associate. She also warns her partner: 'No more surprises, please,' as they discuss their upcoming wedding. The trailer shows her confronted with her past, with buried memories of a past romance threatening to disrupt everything, as she takes a moment to catch her breath, looking out at the Manchester skyline.
Fan Reactions
Viewers have already delivered their verdicts. One wrote: 'This looks great. Can't wait for the first episode.' Another said: 'This looks fantastic, well excited,' while a third added: 'Ahhhhh omg I can't wait.'
Executive Producer's Comments
Abi Morgan, executive producer of The Split and The Split Up, previously told Metro it would be 'a fitting evolution' of The Split. She said: 'I suppose the best thing I can say is that the new show will be in a new city with a new group of writers running it. But it is also really exciting to have Ursula Rani Sarma at the helm, and it's been really enjoyable to see her voice and the voice of the writers grow, and I'm just excited to see what comes next. So I think it will be a very fitting evolution of The Split.'
The Split is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
