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Fans of The Split have reason to celebrate as the hit BBC drama is back, introducing a fresh story and a brand-new cast of lawyers.
After The Split: Barcelona - the two-part special that aired over the festive period last year - many thought it might be their last glimpse into this world. The Split Up proves otherwise. Filming is already underway in Manchester, bringing a new chapter of drama, ambition and family tension to the city’s high-powered legal scene.
The series is the brainchild of Ursula Rani Sarma (Delicious) and is executive produced by Abi Morgan (River, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy), who created the original The Split. It stars Unforgotten icon Sanjeev Bhaskar (currently competing on the latest series of Taskmaster) and Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) as the formidable father-and-daughter legal duo, Dhruv and Aria Kishan.
What is The Split Up about?
Set in the high charged world of Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit, The Split Up centres on Kishan Law, a powerhouse British South Asian family law firm and the go-to for the city’s elite.
The firm’s rising star is Aria Kishan (Ritu Arya), who seems destined to take over from her father Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar). But following the death of her mother, Dhruv begins to question whether Aria can - or should - shoulder that responsibility alone.
"Aria’s relationship is placed under scrutiny too with the wedding for long-term partner Neal (Danny Ashok) on the horizon, but with their personal and professional lives so entwined it’s unclear if their relationship can withstand any more pressure - a problem further compounded when a former secret flame (Dimitri Leonidas) arrives in Manchester unexpectedly," a synopsis reads.
"Alongside her siblings Maya (Aysha Kala) and Kav (Arian Nik), Aria must navigate the splits that divide family and those we love – and ask herself: who should you live your life for?"
Who's in The Split Up cast?
• Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) as Aria Kishan
• Sanjeev Bhaskar (Unforgotten, Goodness Gracious Me) as Dhurv Kishan
• Aysha Kala (Virdee, Criminal Record) as Maya Kishan
• Arian Nik (Daddy Issues, Film Club) as Kav Kishan
• Danny Ashok (Dinosaur, COBRA)
• Dimitri Leonidas (Those About To Die, Riviera) as Luke
• Mawaan Rizwan (Juice, Murdered by My Father) as Ashok
• Sindhu Vee (Matilda the Musical, Starstruck)
• Shalini Peiris (The White Lotus, Lockwood & Co)
• Tom Forbes (Queenie, Wolf Hall)
Guest stars include:
• Lenny Henry (Three Little Birds, Missing You)
• Jane Horrocks (Bloods, Absolutely Fabulous)
In a statement, writer Ani Samer said: "Having admired The Split and Abi Morgan for years, I was honoured to be asked to bring The Split Up to life. As a writer passionate about representation, it’s a dream come true to place a contemporary British South Asian family centre stage.
"Diversity deepens our understanding, enriches our stories, and reflects the true fabric of our society. It’s thrilling to watch our amazing cast led by Ritu and Sanjeev bring the Kishan family to life. I can’t wait for audiences to meet them and to witness the drama as it unfolds."
Abi Morgan says: “The chance to take all that was loved about The Split and use it to inspire the next generation of British South Asian talent, to create a new family of dynamic lawyers spilling over with all the messiness of life, both personally and professionally, has been a brilliant challenge, beautifully realised by lead writer Ursula Rani Sama.
"I hope audiences will take it to their hearts."
Will any of The Split cast return?
With The Split Up set firmly in the same universe as The Split, fans are already wondering if any of the original characters might make an appearance.
So far, there’s been no confirmation from the BBC about returning cast members — but the door hasn’t been closed either. Given how beloved the Defoe family became, many viewers are hoping for a cameo or two down the line.
For now, The Split Up will focus on a brand-new legal dynasty in Manchester, but who knows? In the world of The Split, paths have a habit of crossing when you least expect it...
The Split Up is coming soon to the BBC. Meanwhile, The Split, is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. A devoted bookworm and TV fan, she’s always immersed in the latest shows or catching the newest films and theatre productions. When she’s not writing, Arabella enjoys cooking and exploring the outdoors with her dog.[]{href='https://www.yours.co.uk/leisure/celebrity-tv/call-the-midwife-series-16/' }