Sister’s legal drama lands second run

The BBC has ordered a second series of legal drama The Split Up, produced by Sister in association with Abi Morgan’s Little Chick.  

Filmed and set in and around Manchester, the first series followed the Kishan family, who run a British-Asian family law firm catering for Manchester’s elite. The family had to navigate the pressures of business and family secrets, as well as a love triangle when the daughter’s former flame enters the firm. The second series will unravel more secrets and lies. 

Series one, which launched last month, opened with 1.8m (19%) overnight viewers, just behind the 2m (18.2%) slot average, according to Barb data from overnights.tv. 

The Split Up stars Ritu Arya, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Aysha Kala, Arian Nik, Danny Ashok, Dimitri Leonidas, Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, Shalini Peiris and Tom Forbes. It is created by Ursula Rani Sarma, as an extension of the world of Abi Morgan’s drama The Split, which ran for three series.  

Rani Sarma said: “It means so much to see audiences embrace a family whose story reflects the diversity of our world. I’m thrilled to be bringing the Kishan family back for a second series, and my heartfelt thanks go to the BBC, Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone and my incredible team, as well as everyone who tuned in and supported us.” 

Morgan added: “I am delighted that The Split Up has found its audience and home at the BBC and look forward to what is next for Kishan Law under Ursula Rani Sarma and her brilliant creative team.”  

The 6 x 60 second series was ordered by BBC drama director Lindsay Salt for BBC1. It will once again be executive produced by Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone, Bryony Arnold, Ursula Rani Sarma and Nawfal Faizullah for the BBC.  

Featherstone said: “Family and relationships are endlessly fascinating, and it’s been wonderful to see audiences fall for the Kishans in all their complexity.  

“For me, and my fellow EP, Bryony Arnold, working with Abi Morgan and Ursula Rani Sarma has been such a joy, and our remarkable cast have brought these characters to life with real humour and heart.” 

BBC Studios handles distribution.