New BBC drama The Split Up is the 'high-pressure' spinoff of hit Nicola Walker legal drama we've been waiting for — and its trailer feels even more dramatic

Ritu Arya looks at something in the distance
Ritu Arya as Aria Kishan (Image credit: BBC)
  • BBC reveals trailer and first-look images for new legal drama The Split Up
  • The series is a spinoff of popular 2018 drama The Split starring Nicola Walker
  • New cast includes Ritu Arya, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Aysha Kala, Arian Nik and Danny Ashok

BBC has dropped the trailer and first-look images for new legal drama The Split Up, which will be a spinoff series of the popular drama The Split starring Nicola Walker.

Across six episodes, the new drama is set to follow a family story set inside the high-pressure world of Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit.

In short, we're combining all the heart of The Split but with a new setting, characters and storylines.

Latest Videos From

Created by Ursula Rani Sarma rather than original show creator Abi Morgan, The Split will be used as a springboard for new material rather than The Split Up being a continuation.

Watch the trailer below, and I'm sure you'll agree that the new series looks even more intense than what we've seen before, and means an unmissable binge-watch is on our hands.

The Split Up trailer is a world away from BBC's The Split, but the stakes feel even higher

First Look: The Split Up - BBC - YouTube First Look: The Split Up - BBC - YouTube
Watch On

In the above clip, we follow Aria Kishan (Ritu Arya), a fast-rising star of Kishan Law. She's poised to step up and take the mantle from her father Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar) and Aria’s siblings Maya (Aysha Kala), Kav (Arian Nik), and partner Neal (Danny Ashok).

As the BBC explains: "The death of Aria’s mother has cast a new light over succession 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 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 (Dimitri Leonidas) arrives in Manchester unexpectedly.

It continues, "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?"

Tense! On top of that, we can expect guest star appearances from Lenny Henry, Jane Horrocks and Jameela Jamil.

The Split Up is set to arrive on BBC and BBC iPlayer later in 2026.


Google logo on a black background next to text reading 'Click to follow TechRadar'

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.


Jasmine Valentine
Streaming Staff Writer

Jasmine is a Streaming Staff Writer for TechRadar, previously writing for outlets including Radio Times, Yahoo! and Stylist. She specialises in comfort TV shows and movies, ranging from Hallmark's latest tearjerker to Netflix's Virgin River. She's also the person who wrote an obituary for George Cooper Sr. during Young Sheldon Season 7 and still can't watch the funeral episode.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.