First look at The Split spin-off series 'The Split Up'

BBC bosses have delighted fans of legal drama The Split in recent years. As well as the series returning for a two-part special, which aired in December 2024, it was also announced a spin-off series had been commissioned.

Sharing the news in February 2024, the BBC announced a brand new drama called The Split Up, which is a spin-off from Abi Morgan's original series. However, the good news didn't last long, as one month before filming was due to begin, the series was 'paused indefinitely'. Don't panic though, pre-production resumed in April last year, and wrapped in January 2026.

What is The Split Up?

The BBC say the new six-part series features the high-stakes world of Manchester’s divorce law circuit, where one family of lawyers, the Kishans, reigns supreme. The Split Up will feature both a new city and a new family from The Split, and none of the original cast will feature in the new drama.

The official plot reads: 'Set in the charged world of Manchester’s high net worth divorce circuit, The Split Up centres on Kishan Law – a powerhouse British-South Asian family firm, and the go-to for the city’s elite. The fast-rising star of Kishan Law is Aria Kishan, poised to step up and take the mantle from her father Dhruv. However, the death of her mother has cast a new light over these plans for Dhruv, who has begun to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on this responsibility single-handedly.

'Aria’s relationship is placed under scrutiny too with the wedding to her long-term partner Neal on the horizon, but with their personal and professional so entwined it’s unclear if they can withstand any more pressure - a problem further compounded when a former secret flame arrives in Manchester unexpectedly. Alongside her siblings Maya and Kav, Aria must navigate the splits that divide family and those we love – and ask herself: who should you live your life for?'

Creator Abi Morgan said: “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.”

On Thursday 19th February 2026, first look images from the upcoming series were released online.

The newly released images offer a first look at the Kishan Law family, set against the high-stakes backdrop of Manchester’s wealthy divorce circuit. A formidable British–South Asian family firm, Kishan Law is the trusted choice for the city’s elite. At the heart of it all is Ritu Arya as Aria Kishan, a rising star within the firm who is preparing to inherit the reins from her father, Dhruv, portrayed by Sanjeev Bhaskar. Completing the family are Aria’s siblings — Maya (Aysha Kala) and Kav (Arian Nik) — along with her partner, Neal (Danny Ashok).

Check out the first look images below:

Who is the cast?

The Umbrella Academy star Ritu Arya and Unforgotten actor Sanjeev Bhaskar will play the lead roles of Aria and Dhruv Kishan.

Joining Ritu and Sanjeev in the star-studded cast are Aysha Kala, Arian Nik, Danny Ashok, Dimitri Leonidas, Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, Shalini Peiris and Tom Forbes.

The series also welcomes a host of standout guest stars, including Lenny Henry, Jane Horrocks and Jameela Jamil.

Writer Ursula Rani Sarma says: “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.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama commented: “We’re thrilled to announce this outstanding cast for The Split Up led by Ritu Arya and Sanjeev Bhaskar. Abi Morgan’s The Split is one of our most loved dramas and in The Split Up Ursula Rani Sarma has superbly created a new family of Manchester lawyers whose professional and personal lives will keep viewers hooked.”

SISTER Co-Founder and Executive Producer Jane Featherstone added: “Working with Abi Morgan on The Split has been one of the favourite experiences of my career so I am totally thrilled to be able to now work with the supremely talented Ursula Rani Sarma on The Split Up, with a new story and a brand-new set of characters – that are rich with emotion and full of wit. We have a remarkable cast led by the brilliant Ritu Arya and Sanjeev Bhaskar. We’re so proud to be working once again with the BBC on a series that captures the messy, complicated realities of love, family and ambition – this time in Manchester, and we hope audiences will fall for the Kishans, and their power suits, as much as we have.”

The likes of Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button from The Split won't appear.

When is it out?

There's no word on a start date just yet, but they did wrap filming in January 2026.

Why was it delayed?

Just one month before filming was due to begin in October 2024, it was reported by Deadline that the series has been 'paused indefinitely' by BBC bosses, due to 'editorial reasons'.

In April 2025, it was reported that pre-production on The Split Up had resumed, with filming beginning on 13th October 2025.

What channel is it on?

The new drama will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

How many episodes?

The Split Up will be made-up of six 60 minute episodes.

Where is it filmed?

Filming for the new drama took place in Manchester.

Whist we await The Split Up, series one-three of The Split is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, as well as the two-part special The Split Barcelona.

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