Yahoo Lifestyle 'The Split Barcelona': What to expect from the show's Christmas special
The Defoe family is returning; two years after The Split wrapped following three seasons, writer Abi Morgan has revived the series for a Christmas special.
Titled The Split: Barcelona, the two-part show sees the Defoe clan head to the Spanish city for a family wedding.
But naturally, a show that focuses on the lives and loves of divorce lawyers would not see nuptials go smoothly; expect prenups, betrayals and secrets unravelled before the bride even tries on her gown.
Writer Abi Morgan explained she decided to return to the Defoe family as there’s still such a strong interest from the public, with viewers keen to know where the characters have ended up. “Fans are so intrigued and excited to know where they would go next,” she said during a screening of the special. “It just felt like a really beautiful opportunity.
“We live in very dark times. I love so much of the eclectic mix of television right now, but I we need a show that is predominantly about joy and heartbreak and desire and need – all the idiosyncrasies of family life… It just felt like a really lovely way to bring them back.
“Plus I love Mamma Mia, so this is like my lame version of Mamma Mia.”
Here’s what we can expect from the festive special.
The Split Barcelona: release date
Fans of The Split don’t have too much longer to wait for the next (and potentially final) iteration of the show – the specials will air at 9pm on BBC One on 29 and 30 December. Both episodes will be available on 29 December on BBC iPlayer.
The Split Barcelona: cast
Annabel Scholey, Nicola Walker and Fiona Button will reprise their roles for the special episodes.
Other cast members confirmed to return for the Spanish extravaganza include Stephen Mangan, Deborah Findlay, Ian McElhinney, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Elizabeth Roberts and Alex Guersman.
Is there a trailer for The Split Barcelona?
There is indeed (watch it above). It reveals that Hannah (Nicola Walker) may have recovered from her divorce from Nathan (Stephen Mangan).
Stage and silver-screen star Toby Stephens joins the cast as the suave lawyer Archie, who is clearly interested in Hannah – but something is holding her back. Could the wedding serve as a catalyst for her own love life?
Thankfully, Hannah and Nathan still have the same playful dynamic they had as husband and wife – even though they have gone their separate ways. “You get to see a totally different relationship that they have now,” Nicola Walker explained at the press screening.
“We really enjoyed how they're kind of brutal with each other in a very funny way. And that was really enjoyable to play with.”
What happens in The Split Barcelona?
The official synopsis for the new episodes is as follows: "We left the final series with Hannah and Nathan attempting to divide up their 20 years together, and trying to navigate their way through a 'good divorce', questioning whether that is even possible.
“Two years on, formidable family lawyer Hannah Defoe and her family are back and have gathered for a beautiful wedding at a magnificent vineyard, nestled in Catalonia’s wine region.
“Set across one sun-soaked weekend, The Split will encompass break-ups, reunions and, like all good weddings, plenty of romance. As the sun rises over the glorious Spanish countryside, Hannah is compelled to banish the ghosts of her past and open herself up to the possibility of love again. Can she find the courage to take the leap into a new future?”
While the two-part special may wrap up any loose ends The Split may have left previously, writer Abi Morgan has teased it may not be the last time we see the Defoe family.
“I'd love to write for it again,” Morgan says. “I just want to be sure that we can deliver the show. But there is something incredible about creating an ensemble of characters that are always irresistible. So who knows? Never say never.”
The Split: Barcelona will air on BBC One at 9pm on 29 and 30 December. Both episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from 29 December.
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