The Split star hints at future of hit BBC drama as cast reunite for finale special
THE cast of The Split has reunited for the special finale, sparking speculation about the future of the hit BBC drama.
The popular BBC drama about the all-female Defoe family, known for their legal expertise and personal dramas, makes its return this month with a two-part special titled The Split: Barcelona.
This reunion celebrates the series’ success while teasing the potential for the Defoe family’s story to continue.
The Split initially ended with its third season in 2022, which was promoted as the series’ conclusion.
However, in May 2023, it was confirmed that two new episodes titled The Split: Barcelona would premiere, bringing the Defoe family back to screens for a special continuation of their story.
The actor behind Hannah Defoe, Nicola Walker, shared her thoughts on potentially reprising her role in The Split.
While reflecting on her experience with the show, she expressed interest in returning for future projects if the opportunity arose.
She told Digital Spy: “I think what we’re going to do is specials every year, as a cast that is what we’d all like to do but that’s just actors talking.”
When she got the call about The Split’s return in a new two-part special, she said: “I was thrilled.
“We all love working together and it was gorgeous that it was a wedding that was going to be in Barcelona, that was gorgeous too.
“But honestly they could have said we’re staying in a dark studio somewhere in a very cold part of England and we’d have still been very pleased.”
Meanwhile, creator and writer Abi Morgan didn’t rule out any more future projects.
“Listen, I never say never because I love those characters and I love those actors and it’s always a joy to go back to them.
“I think it has been great having that break away, but I love them so who knows maybe I’ll come back to them again someday,”
“But right now it was just nice to take them away on an exotic, fun break from the office and the world of the series of The Split and give people a real treat for Christmas.”
The Split: Barcelona is available to watch on December 29 and 30 at 9pm on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman‘s war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.