The Split spin-off series 'paused indefinitely' by BBC bosses
It's been delayed due to editorial reasons
It's been two years since the last series of legal drama The Split aired, and whilst bosses have now confirmed the series will return for a two-part special at the Noble Hale Defoe law firm, the BBC also announced a spin-off series earlier this year.
Sharing the news on Thursday 22nd February, BBC bosses announced a brand new drama called The Split Up, which is a spin-off from Abi Morgan's original series, but one month before filming was due to begin, the series has been 'paused indefinitely'.
What is The Split Up?
The BBC say the new six-part series features the high-stakes world of Manchester’s divorce law circuit, where one family of lawyers, the Kishans, reigns supreme.
The Split Up will feature both a new city and a new family from The Split, and it's understood none of the original cast will feature in the new drama.
Speaking about the new spin-off series, The Split creator Abi Morgan said: “After the success of The Split, it’s been great to see The Split Up take shape in lead writer Ursula Rani Sarma’s capable hands, reinvigorating all that audiences love. A new legal family, grabbing at life in a new city, battling new legal cases, as the professional and personal deliciously collide. A brilliant new cast of characters caught in the messiness of love, marriage, deception and divorce, make it their own. It is ripe to be taken into the hearts of anyone who loved the show.”
The Split Up writer Ursula Rani Sarma added: “I watched The Split with admiration over the years and I was honoured to be asked to create The Split Up: a spin off which introduces a whole new family and city while still holding on to the warmth, humour and heartbreak of Abi Morgan’s original series.
"To be able to place a contemporary British Asian family, helmed by brilliant women, at the heart of a primetime drama series is a dream come true for me as a writer who believes strongly in the importance of representation on our screens. It has been a joy to work alongside Abi as well as Lucy Dyke, Jane Featherstone and Sumrah Mohammed at SISTER to bring it to glorious life.”
Why has it been delayed?
Just one month before filming was due to begin, it was reported by Deadline that the series has been 'paused indefinitely' by BBC bosses, due to 'editorial reasons'.
However, it's being reported that the BBC do still remain committed to making the show happen, but there's no filming date been announced just yet.
When is it out?
With production on the show now being paused, it's not yet known when The Split Up will hit our screens.
What channel is it on?
The new drama will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
How many episodes?
The Split Up will be made-up of six 60 minute episodes.
Who is the cast?
At this stage, no casting has been announced by bosses, but it's understood nobody from original series The Split will feature.
This means the likes of of Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button won't appear.
Where is it filmed?
Filming for the new drama will take place in Manchester. No exact filming locations have been revealed.
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