The Split Up is a spin-off from the hit BBC drama The Split and will follow another family’s law firm.
A spin-off from the hit BBC drama The Split has received a significant update.
Fans were gutted when the legal series starring Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan wrapped up after three seasons in 2022, followed by a two-part special last year. Now, fresh information about the upcoming show The Split Up has emerged, including casting announcements.
The original programme featured Annika star Nicola as Hannah, grappling with the breakdown of her marriage to Nathan (Stephen) whilst juggling affairs, romance and complicated relationships, all while managing her family’s law practice alongside the chaos created by her two sisters and mother.
The Split Up will now centre on a different family law practice, this time based in Manchester and focusing on the British-Asian elite Kishan family.
The six-episode series will explore “the high-stakes world of Manchester’s divorce law circuit, where one family of lawyers, the Kishans, reigns supreme,” according to the previous announcement, reports Wales Online.
It adds: “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.”
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The line-up for the series has already been unveiled, and it’s now been confirmed that The Good Place star Jameela Jamil is coming on board.
When the announcement was posted on social media featuring a photo of Jameela with leading lady Ritu Arya, the She-Hulk actress responded: “I love her.”
“My two favourites together,” one supporter wrote, whilst another added: “OMG can’t wait. Love you both!!!”
“Very excited for this,” a third person commented.
Jameela is joining The Umbrella Academy’s Ritu Arya, Unforgotten’s Sanjeev Bhaskar, alongside Aysha Kala (Virdee), Arian Nik (Film Club), Danny Ashok (Dinosaur), Dimitri Leonidas (Those About To Die), Mawaan Rizwan (Juice), Sindhu Vee (Matilda the Musical), Shalini Peiris (The White Lotus) and Tom Forbes (Queenie).
Celebrity guest appearances will also feature Lenny Henry and Jane Horrocks.
The BBC revealed: “The fast-rising star of Kishan Law is Aria Kishan (Ritu Arya), poised to step up and take the mantle from her father Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar). 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 for long-term partner Neal (Danny Ashok) on the horizon, but with their personal and professional 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.
“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?”
Creator Ursula Rani Sarma expressed: “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 chimed in: “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.”
The BBC has confirmed that Annika, starring Nicola Walker, has been cancelled after two series, but fans of the actress have been told to watch another of her dramas.
Legal drama The Split first aired in 2018 and ran for three seasons(Image: BBC / BBC Studios / Sister)
An “outstanding” legal drama ought to be top of the viewing list for Nicola Walker enthusiasts following confirmation of Annika’s cancellation.
Nicola, 55, had brought DI Annika Strandhed to life for two seasons, leading the fictional Glasgow-based Marine Homicide Unit, however, fans will be gutted to know she won’t be back.
A spokesperson previously stated to RadioTimes: “We are incredibly proud of the success of Annika on U+Alibi, but there are no current plans for a third series.”
Nevertheless, admirers of the Unforgotten and The Last Tango in Halifax performer now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in The Split alternatively, reports Wales Online.
The BBC confirmed Annika wouldn’t be returning for a third season despite ending on a cliffhanger(Image: BBC)
The Spooks veteran portrayed Hannah alongside Stephen Mangan’s Nathan in Abi Morgan’s courtroom drama.
The programme initially broadcast in 2018 and ran for three series, concluding in 2022 before a two-part special shot in Barcelona last Christmas.
It chronicled the Defoe dynasty and their legal practice, as they navigated romance, bereavement, infidelity, domestic upheaval, and the challenges of contemporary matrimony.
The Split cultivated a devoted fanbase, achieving an remarkable 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Split saw Nicola star as Hannah opposite Stephen Mangan as Nathan(Image: BBC / SISTER)
One devotee praised the programme as “outstanding”, adding: “Nicola Walker is simply incredible. I did not know about her until seeing this show, I raced to watch other shows she has been in also because she is THAT GOOD.”
One viewer expressed: “This show is such an incredible, refreshing take on family, love, marriage, and the trials / rewards of life. There isn’t a villain and no character is without their flaws. By the end of episode one, you’re invested and it’s a slow, emotional progression with smiles and a few tears throughout.”
“Am addicted to this show,” a third confessed, while someone else wrote: “This show absolutely captivated me. Even when I wasn’t watching it, I was thinking about it. It involved family drama, lovers drama, and work drama. It was absolutely brilliant.”
Nicola previously spoke of The Split’s success in an interview with Metro, revealing the moment she knew it was a hit.
The Split has been branded “outstanding” and “captivating” by fans(Image: PA/BBC)
She revealed: “I realised they were enjoying it when I started getting people in the supermarket and on the tube coming up to me and saying, these are quotes, it happens quite a lot: ‘I wish you’d have done my divorce,’ and then telling me about their divorces.’
“I occasionally had to say, ‘I actually don’t know that much about family law, I’d be a terrible family lawyer’.
“And then people saying whether or not they were team Christie or team Nathan, that started happening quite a lot. And I thought, ‘oh, people are enjoying this as much as we enjoy filming it’.”
Although The Split concluded with a two-part Christmas special, fans can look forward to a spin-off following a brief halt in production.
The Split: Barcelona was a two-part special that aired last year(Image: Abi Morgan/Instagram)
The Split Up is set to commence production this year, and is a six-part drama that will showcase “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.”
There’s plenty of dramas in store this week, with Lauren Lyle reprising her role as Karen Pirie on ITV and Keeley Hawes fronting a new show on Amazon Prime. Get the lowdown.
Drama is all the rage this week on the box, with a string of new shows guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
For starters, BBC2 is airing a gripping show, Unforgivable, set to explore the impact of abuse with a star-studded cast. On ITV, Outlander star Lauren Lyle returns to Karen Pirie, ready to face a new cold case on-screen.
And while there’s plenty more on streaming platforms, Sky viewers will soon wave goodbye to one of their all-time favourite series as Shemar Moore fronts SWAT for the last time.
Princess Kate and Prince William’s relationship has gone from strength to strength – but what do they really say when nobody’s watching?(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Lip Reading the Royals: The Secret Conversations
Saturday, 5
Ever wondered what Prince William whispers to his wife, Kate Middleton, during royal events? Lip Reading the Royals: The Secret Conversations reveals the monarchy’s most private exchanges, caught on camera at weddings, funerals and formal occasions.
With expert lip reading and royal insiders on hand, this eye-opening documentary decodes the hidden dialogue of the royal family – from knowing glances to tense exchanges – offering a rare glimpse behind palace walls. It’s the Crown, unfiltered.
Krays: London’s Gangsters
Saturday, Prime Video
Forget the movie mythos, this two-part documentary unpacks the real Reggie and Ronnie Kray. Featuring never-heard-before recordings from the brothers in prison, this film digs deep into the psychological bond that kept London’s East End crime lords together.
Through expert insights and interviews, this series explores their brutal reign, their unwavering loyalty and descent into popularity. Shedding the Hollywood sheen, this is the raw and unfiltered truth behind Britain’s most renowned gangsters.
SWAT
Sunday, Sky
Shemar Moore leads SWAT into its explosive eighth and final season as Hondo confronts his most personal mission yet. When a school bus carrying students and his former football coach disappears, the team races against the clock.
Meanwhile, tension mounts with new recruit Devin Gamble, whose criminal family ties raise serious red flags. Balancing action-packed sequences with emotional stakes, this season promises high-risk takedowns, moral dilemmas, and a powerful send-off for the elite unit that’s kept L.A safe for seven years.
The Veil
Sunday, C4
Elisabeth Moss trades Gilead for global espionage in this gripping thriller series. She stars as MI6 agent Imogen Salter, tasked with uncovering the truth behind Adilah El Idrissi (Yumna Marwan), a woman suspected of orchestrating a deadly terrorist plot.
As secrets mount and loyalties blur, both women engage in a psychological game of chess spanning Paris, Istanbul and London. It’s tense, atmospheric and rich in twists, exploring trust and the veil between fact and fabrication.
Another cold case haunts Karen Pirie in the second season of the ITV crime drama(Image: Brentwood Gazette)
Karen Pirie
Sunday, ITV
Lauren Lyle is back as cold case specialist DI Karen Pirie in this gripping adaptation of Val McDermid’s A Darker Domain. The second season tackles the 1984 kidnapping of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son Adam.
Their disappearance has rattled Scotland but when a body and Catriona’s car keys resurface in a remote quarry, Karen must untangle a web of secrets, betrayal and hidden romances. With its dual-timeline and Karen’s razor-sharp wit, there’s more deadpan banter, bold deductions and emotionally charged revelations.
Mandy Carter returns in a new season of Diane Morgan’s hit show(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Richard Harrison)
Mandy
Monday, BBC2
Diane Morgan dons the leopard print as Mandy Carter in the fourth season of the gloriously daft BBC comedy. This time, the loveable oddball finds herself in increasingly surreal misadventures and bizarre job trials. But don’t expect her to learn anything new – she’s still up to her old tricks.
Every episode is short and savage and packs absurdist laughs and deadpan brilliance, keeping the cult following firmly on board. There’s plenty of chaos in store for Mandy but in her world, disaster is always part of the plan.
Cold Case Forensics: The Cheesewire Killer
Monday, 5
George Murdoch’s brutal 1983 murder – committed with a cheesewire has haunted Aberdeen for decades. Now, this gripping forensic documentary reopens the chilling case with cutting-edge analysis and fresh leads.
Presented by Kirsty Ward and narrated by Unforgotten’s Nicola Walker, the film retraces the night of the crime, the botched early investigation and what new DNA technology might uncover. With emotional interviews, and detailed insights, this show explores whether justice for George is finally within reach.
Critical: Between Life and Death
Wednesday, Netflix
From the producers of 24 Hours in A&E, this Netflix docuseries offers unprecedented access to London’s Major Trauma System. Cameras follow paramedics, surgeons, nurses and patients across four hospitals – St George’s, Royal Londo, St Mary’s and King’s College – as they tackle life-and-death emergencies.
Shot in real time, Critical: Between Life and Death delivers raw and unfiltered moments from the frontline. Brace yourselves for harrowing injuries, emotional recoveries and the incredible teamwork that keeps Brits alive against the odds.
Acapulco
Wednesday, Apple TV
The sun-drenched dramedy Acapulco returns for its fourth and final season as Maximo Gallardo faces the past – and the future. In 1986, young Maximo (Enrique Arrizon) tries to reclaim the top hotel title after a shock defeat.
Meanwhile, present-day Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) works tirelessly to revive Las Colinas before its grand reopening. Acapulco’s final chapter wraps up loose ends with heart, humour and the show’s trademark neon charm. Expect generational reflections and heartfelt growth for this last dip in Acapulco’s glamorous poolside chaos.
Mr Bigstuff
Thursday, Sky
Danny Dyer is back as loudmouth Lee in Mr Bigstuff’s second season, fresh off a 2025 TV BAFTA win for his performance in the bonkers Sky comedy.
This time, family drama ramps up when Lee and younger brother Glen (Ryan Sampson) discover their supposedly dead father may still be alive.
But as tensions rise between them – and with Glen’s fiancee Kirsty (Harriet Webb) keeping huge secrets – old wounds reopen. Guest stars include Fatiha El-Ghorri and EastEnders icon Linda Henry. With brawls, breakdowns and belly laughs, season two dives deeper into dysfunction with twisted humour and heartfelt honesty.
Anna Friel fronts Unforgivable, due to air on BBC2(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC / LA Productions / Kerry Spicer)
Unforgivable
Thursday, BBC2
Jimmy McGovern delivers a gripping new BBC Two drama with Unforgivable, where he delves deep into the emotional wreckage left by grooming and abuse within a working-class family.
Anna Friel leads the cast as Anna McKinney, a mother desperately trying to keep her family together, while Bobby Schofield plays Joe – a man sent to rehabilitation after his release from prison, seeking redemption with help from a former nun (Anna Maxwell Martin). It’s gut-punch storytelling at its finest.
Tom brings Spain to viewers with a deep dive into their biggest delicacies(Image: ITV)
Tom Kerridge swaps British classics for Iberian delights in this six-part travelogue series. Journeying through Spain’s most flavour-packed regions, Tom samples all kinds of delicacies – from sherry vinegar aged since 1896 in Andalusia to anchovies in Santoña and explores seafood culture in Valencia.
Made in partnership with M&S’ Farm to Foodhall campaign, this series offers rich local insight, culinary history and vibrant visuals. Expect a mouth-watering tour of tapas, tradition and technique, filled with Tom’s trademark warmth and love of food. You won’t want to miss a bite.
Marissa Anita commands the screen in this taut, psychological Indonesian drama where she plays Milla – a privileged housewife on the brink of madness after convincing herself she’s contracted a mysterious and incurable illness.
Her body feels alien, her family’s dismissive and, soon enough, reality starts to blur. As her seemingly perfect life teeters on the edge, Milla has to confront uncomfortable truths or cling on to delusion. Dark and unflinching, A Normal Woman explores identity, repression and the cost of being believed.
Keeley Hawes portrays a retired hitwoman thrown back into business in The Assassin(Image: PA)
The Assassin
Friday, Amazon Prime
Keeley Hawes stars as Julie, a retired hitwoman whose peaceful life in Greece is upended when her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore) arrives – unearthing secrets that put both of their lives at risk. When enemies from Julie’s shadowy past surface, the duo are forced to collaborate for survival.
Created by Harry and Jack Williams (The Tourist), this six-part thriller blends emotional depth, covert manipulations and sun-soaked suspense. Expect sharp twists, explosive action and a gripping exploration of legacy, family and redemption.
Kerry Godliman returns as Pearl Nolan, the food-loving, crime-solving seaside sleuth in Whitstable Pearl’s third season. In six new episodes, Pearl balances running her restaurant with investigating a string of mysterious deaths across Kent’s coastal community.
With DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles) complicating things both professionally and personally, Pearl finds herself in deeper waters than ever.
Get ready for local secrets and emotional tension as the amateur detective tackles love, loss and layered cases in this quietly compelling Brit drama.
The Jessops are back for another series of Here We Go – and things are more chaotic than ever(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Gary Moyes)
Here We Go
Friday, BBC2
The Jessops are back for the third season of Here We Go – and they’re just as chaotic as ever. This time, the lovable family faces everything from disastrous holidays to awkward jobs – even baby bombshells – all with their usual mix of mishaps and mayhem.
Created by Tom Basden and starring Jim Howick and Katherine Parkinson, the hit BBC comedy continues to capture the hilarious ups and downs of everyday life. Expect more laughs, heart and more family m havoc.
