The Split Up on BBC One: Start date confirmed for spin-off of beloved legal drama following 'new family of dynamic lawyers'
Unforgotten favourite Sanjeev Bhaskar will lead the cast
The Split Up is the upcoming legal drama designed to fill the gaping hole left by the end of The Split on BBC One.
The spin-off includes a totally new cast, and features a “powerhouse British South Asian family firm”. Even better, Unforgotten legend Sanjeev Bhaskar will lead the cast.
Of course, nothing can ever replace the OG series starring Nicola Walker, which ran from 2018 and 2022. Viewers will know the series eventually finished with a Spain-set swansong in 2024.
Here’s everything you need to know about The Split Up, including plot, cast, start date, soundtrack, and location.
What’s the plot of The Split spin-off The Split Up on BBC One?
The Split Up is an upcoming legal drama on BBC One. It’s set in the highly “charged world of Manchester’s high net worth divorce circuit”.
Above all, the series centres on Kishan Law, a powerhouse British South Asian family firm, and the go-to for the city’s elite.
A synopsis tells us: “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. He has begun to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on this responsibility single handedly.”
As a result, Aria’s relationship is placed under scrutiny, too. Her wedding to long-term partner Neal is on the horizon. But with their personal and professional so entwined it’s unclear if their relationship can withstand any more pressure. Enter her former secret flame who arrives in Manchester unexpectedly…
Alongside her siblings Maya and Kav, Aria must subsequently navigate the splits that divide family and those we love. She must ask herself: who should you live your life for?”
How many episodes is it?
The Split Up will be six episodes of one hour each.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “We’re thrilled to announce this outstanding cast for The Split Up, led by Ritu Arya and Sanjeev Bhaskar.”
He continued: “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.”
Where is it filmed?
Filming for The Split Up took place in Manchester in October 2025. The series is set there, and filmed in and around the vibrant metropolitan city.
Fans will remember that the mother TV show The Split was set in London. Filming began as the BBC marked 60 years of South Asian programming this month, celebrating British South Asian voices and storytelling on and off screen.
Who’s in the cast of The Split Up on BBC One?
Ritu Arya stars as Aria Kisha, who is step to take over her father’s law firm. The Umbrella Academy fans will know her best for playing Lila Pitts. She also starred in the recent thriller Paris Has Fallen.
Goodness Gracious Me comedian and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar plays her father Dhruv.
Dinosaur’s Danny Ashok plays Aria’s long-term partner Neal.
Riviera’s Dimitri Leonidas stars as her secret flame.
Virdee’s Aysha Kala plays Aria’s sibling Maya, alongside Film Club’s Arian Nik as Kav.
The impressive ensemble cast also includes The White Lotus’ Shalini Peiris, Queenie’s Tom Forbes, Juice’s Mawaan Rizwan, and Matilda’s Sindhu Vee. TV superstars Lenny Henry, and Jane Horrocks complete the cast as special guests in episode 1.
Finally, episode 2 sees The Good Place actress Jameela Jamil guest star in The Split Up.
Who wrote The Split Up?
Ursula Rani Sarma created the story and characters in The Split Up. TV viewers will know her best for her work on Smother, and Delicious. Of course, the concept is based on The Split. Multiple award-winning Abi Morgan created the original series which enjoyed huge success on the Beeb.
Ursula Rani Sarma, a writer “passionate about representation”, says: “Having admired The Split and Abi Morgan for years, I was honoured to be asked to bring The Split Up to life. It’s a dream come true to place a contemporary British South Asian family centre stage.
“Diversity deepens our understanding. It 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.”
When’s the start date?
BBC One has now confirmed that the spin-off series will start on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 9pm. The second episode will follow on Monday, September 21.
The Beeb will also be releasing the boxset on iPlayer.
What’s the soundtrack to The Split Up and who is the singer?
Composer Nainita Desai is behind the theme tune to The Split Up. She’s an award-winning composer, Ivor Novello 2020 nominee, and BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.
Nainita is a British composer of film, television and video game music. She composed the original score for the BBC One legal drama, and describes creating the main title theme as a “highlight”. Jasmine Jathwa sings the title theme song.
