“I hope audiences will take it to their hearts.”
A first-look clip has been released for BBC’s upcoming legal drama The Split Up, offering an early glimpse at the tensions driving the series.
Created by Ursula Rani Sarma, the six-part series is based on The Split.
Set within Manchester’s divorce law circuit, the story follows Kishan Law, a powerful British South Asian family firm serving the city’s elite.
At its centre is Aria (Ritu Arya), a rising star positioned to take over the firm from her father Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar).
The wider family includes siblings Maya (Aysha Kala) and Kav (Arian Nik), alongside Aria’s partner Neal (Danny Ashok).
Following the death of Aria’s mother, succession plans at Kishan Law are thrown into uncertainty.
Dhruv begins to question whether Aria is ready to lead alone. Pressure builds as ambition and family loyalty begin to clash.
Alongside the central family conflict, the series explores fractured loyalties between Aria, Maya and Kav as they navigate competing ambitions.
The story asks how far family duty can stretch before it breaks.
A first-look clip sees Aria chatting with Neal when she suddenly spots a familiar face (Dimitri Leonidas), leaving her stunned.
She leaves her office to confront him and asks: “What are you doing here?”
But before she can get an answer, Dhruv greets him.
It is revealed that he is a secret former flame and things get even more complicated for Aria when Dhruv says he is the law firm’s new Senior Associate.
The unexpected return leaves Aria unsettled and the clip ends with her looking over the Manchester skyline.
The Split Up also features guest appearances from Lenny Henry, Jane Horrocks and Jameela Jamil.
Ursula Rani Sarma said: “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 added: “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 Sarma.
“I hope audiences will take it to their hearts.”
Watch the Clip
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