The BBC is expanding the world of its legal drama The Split with a new six-part series titled The Split Up. The production will shift its focus from London to Manchester’s high-stakes divorce circuit and introduce a new family of lawyers. Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) and Sanjeev Bhaskar (Unforgotten) have been cast in the lead roles for the drama, which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The series centers on Kishan Law, a formidable British South Asian family firm that caters to the city’s elite. Arya will play Aria Kishan, a sharp lawyer positioned to take over the firm from her father, Dhruv, played by Bhaskar. The recent death of Aria’s mother, however, has made Dhruv question whether his daughter is ready for the responsibility. The story and characters were created by Ursula Rani Sarma, based on the original series from Abi Morgan.
Aria’s professional ascent is complicated by turmoil in her personal life. While her wedding to long-term partner Neal (Danny Ashok) is on the horizon, their relationship is strained by the pressures of their intertwined careers. The situation is further destabilized by the unexpected arrival of a former flame, played by Dimitri Leonidas. The plot will follow Aria and her siblings, Maya (Aysha Kala) and Kav (Arian Nik), as they handle the fractures within their own family.
The supporting cast includes Mawaan Rizwan (Juice), Sindhu Vee (Matilda the Musical), Shalini Peiris (The White Lotus), and Tom Forbes (Queenie). The series has also secured guest appearances from veteran actors Sir Lenny Henry and Jane Horrocks. Production company SISTER, which produced The Split, will return for the new series.
