A spin-off of beloved BBC drama The Split is reportedly set to begin filming, after a pause in production.
Fans were left devastated when Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan’s legal drama came to an end after the third season in 2022.
It returned last Christmas amid a jam-packed TV schedule featuring the revivals of Outnumbered and Gavin and Stacey with a two-part special set in Barcelona.
However, it was a bittersweet moment for fans as the unexpected hit came to a final end with newly-single Hannah (Nicola) and Nathan (Stephen) years on from their divorce, at the wedding of their eldest daughter.
But they’ll be delighted to know spin-off The Split Up is now set to begin production, according to reports.
According to Broadcast, The Split Up is expected to begin filming in October.
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While it was first announced in February 2024, filming was paused ‘indefinitely’ in September, with a BBC insider claiming at the time that ‘editorial reasons’ were behind the delay.
The six-part series will feature ‘the high-stakes world of Manchester’s divorce law circuit, where one family of lawyers, the Kishans, reigns supreme,’ the release previously teased.
It continues: ‘Kishan Law is a British-Asian high net worth family law firm in Manchester, noted for its clientele and its reputation.
‘They are the ‘go to firm’ for Manchester’s elite who come to them for their excellence, integrity, and discretion.
‘But the future and legacy of Kishan Law hangs in the balance when a family secret from the past comes to light, throwing their professional and personal lives into turmoil.’
The Split Up’s story and characters are created by Ursula Rani Sarma and based on The Split, created by Abi Morgan, who will serve as executive producer on the new series.
Ursula said: ‘I watched The Split with admiration over the years and I was honoured to be asked to create The Split Up: a spin off which introduces a whole new family and city while still holding on to the warmth, humour and heartbreak of Abi Morgan’s original series.
‘To be able to place a contemporary British Asian family, helmed by brilliant women, at the heart of a primetime drama series is a dream come true for me as a writer who believes strongly in the importance of representation on our screens.’
Abi added: ‘After the success of The Split, it’s been great to see The Split Up take shape in lead writer Ursula Rani Sarma’s capable hands, reinvigorating all that audiences love.
‘A new legal family, grabbing at life in a new city, battling new legal cases, as the professional and personal deliciously collide.
‘A brilliant new cast of characters caught in the messiness of love, marriage, deception and divorce, make it their own. It is ripe to be taken into the hearts of anyone who loved the show.’
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Abi vowed the series would be ‘a fitting evolution’ of The Split.
She previously 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.’
Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt also shared: ‘Abi Morgan’s The Split is one of our most loved and talked about dramas and a favourite with viewers, and The Split Up, set in Manchester and brilliantly written by Ursula Rani Sarma, promises to be just as compelling.
‘The Split Up is as full of joy, heartbreak and intrigue as the original, with a fantastic new family we’ll fall in love with.’
Metro has approached the BBC for comment.
The Split is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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