The BBC has released a first-look trailer for The Split Up, the highly anticipated spin-off series from the popular legal drama The Split, which starred Nicola Walker. The new show is set to premiere later this year.
What Is The Split Up About?
The original series, which aired from 2018 to 2022 with a two-part special in 2024, followed a female-led family law firm and the breakdown of the protagonist's marriage. Fans were disappointed when the show ended, but the BBC soon announced The Split Up to fill the void.
Set in Manchester, the spin-off focuses on the high-stakes world of the city's high-net-worth divorce circuit. It centers on the Kishan Law family, a powerful British-South Asian family firm that is the go-to for the elite.
Ritu Arya stars as Aria Kishan, who is poised 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 Aria's siblings and partner.
Plot Details
According to the BBC synopsis, the death of Aria's mother has cast doubt on succession plans. Dhruv questions whether his daughter can handle the responsibility alone. Aria's relationship with her long-term partner Neal is also under pressure as their wedding approaches, with their personal and professional lives intertwined. The situation becomes more complicated when a former secret flame, played by Dimitri Leonidas, unexpectedly arrives in Manchester.
The synopsis teases: "Alongside her siblings Maya and Kav, whose own relationships and loyalties are far from straightforward, Aria must navigate the splits that divide family and those we love – and ask herself: who should you live your life for?"
Cast and Trailer
The cast also features Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, Shalini Peiris, and guest stars Lenny Henry and Jameela Jamil. In the trailer, Aria is surprised when a mysterious stranger from her past enters the office and becomes the firm's new senior associate. She tells her partner, "No more surprises, please," as they discuss their upcoming wedding. The trailer shows her confronting buried memories of a past romance that threaten to disrupt everything, with a moment of reflection overlooking the Manchester skyline.
Fan Reactions
Fans have expressed excitement on social media. 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 both The Split and The Split Up, told Metro that the spin-off is "a fitting evolution" of the original series. 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 stream on BBC iPlayer.
