The BBC has unveiled a first look at The Split-Up, the anticipated spin-off of Abi Morgan’s hit legal drama, The Split. 

Set against the backdrop of Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit, the new series centers on the Kishan Law family, who operate a powerhouse British-South Asian firm.

Aria (Ritu Arya) in The Split-Up© BBC / Sister
Ritu Arya stars as Aria in The Split-Up

Picking up nearly two years after the original series concluded, The Split-Up is penned by Ursula Rani Sarma (Smother, Bodkin), with original creator Abi Morgan returning as executive producer.

The first look reveals Aria Kishan, a rising star at the firm, balancing the pressures of her upcoming wedding to long-term partner Neal (Danny Ashok) with the unexpected arrival of a former secret flame (Dimitri Leonidas), who joins the firm as a new senior associate.

Boasting a star-studded cast that includes guest stars Lenny Henry and Jameela Jamil, the show is already shaping up to be a must-watch – and I’m counting down the days until its release.

Keep reading to find out more…

What is The Split-Up about?

The series centres on the Manchester-based Kishan Law family firm, which is the go-to for the city’s elite.

Aria Kishan, the firm’s ambitious rising star, is poised to take over from her father, Dhruv, until the death of her mother casts a new light over his succession plans. Can or should Aria take on this responsibility single-handedly?

group of people sitting on floor© BBC / Sister
The series centers on the Kishan Law family, who operate a powerhouse British-South Asian firm

The synopsis continues: “Aria’s relationship is placed under scrutiny too with the wedding to long-term partner Neal 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 arrives in Manchester unexpectedly.

“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?”

man and woman at party© BBC / Sister
Sanjeev Bhaskar and Shalini Peiris also star in The Split-Up

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said the drama is “just as compelling” as The Split. “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,” she said in a previous statement.

Meanwhile, writer Ursula said: “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.”

Who stars in The Split-Up?

Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) stars as Aria Kishan, alongside Sanjeev Bhaskar (Unforgotten) as Dhruv, Aysha Kala (Virdee) as Maya, Arian Nik (Film Club) as Kav and Danny Ashok (Dinosaur) as Neal.

woman in office© BBC / Sister
The Split-Up arrives on the BBC later this year

They’re joined by Dimitri Leonidas (Those About To Die), Mawaan Rizwan (Juice), Sindhu Vee (Matilda the Musical), Shalini Peiris (The White Lotus) and Tom Forbes (Queenie), while Lenny Henry (Three Little Birds), Jane Horrocks (Bloods) and Jameela Jamil (The Good Place) guest star.

When will the series air on BBC One?

The BBC has yet to announce a release date for the six-part series, which will arrive later this year.

SOURCE: https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/907000/unforgotten-star-compelling-bbc-drama-the-split-up-first-look/