The Split season 3 - everything you need to know about the BBC drama’s final series

From the moment the BBC announced that The Split season 3 would be the hit legal drama’s last, we couldn’t help wondering about how it will round off the show that has kept us hooked for three years. Following the lives, careers, and personal dramas of a family of lawyers in London’s high-end divorce circuit, The Split’s cast is lead by the brilliant Nicola Walker of Spooks fame as the eldest Defoe sister, Hannah. 

With The Split season 3 now on the horizon, we can’t wait to dive back into the intricacies, betrayals, and maneuvering that makes the BBC One hit show eminently binge-able. For those who can’t help looking forward to what show creator Abi Morgan has in store for us, we reveal all you need to know ahead of season 3’s release...

And if you haven’t watched it yet, warning: spoilers ahead!

What will The Split season 3 be about?

Whilst a drama focused on divorce proceedings may not initially sound like the most addictive show, as soon as you start to watch you’ll soon be drawn into the complex and intriguing world of these high-flying characters. The first season focused on the Defoe family - all of which work as divorce lawyers in the family firm except for Hannah who is employed by a rival and younger sister Rose who works as a child-minder.

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Fans will have been devastated as they saw Hannah and her husband Nathan’s once rock-solid relationship reach breaking point in season 2 after her affair with Christie was revealed. 

Ten months later and these two professional lawyers have been negotiating an amicable separation agreement, only for a revelation to shockingly change the stakes.

With the prospect of a ‘good divorce’ seemingly no longer on the table, The Split season 3 will show Hannah and Nathan preparing for the legal fight of their lives, but will they ever be able to repair the damage? 

According to BBC.co.uk, the show’s creator Abi Morgan is excited to round off the “bittersweet” show in a suitably dramatic way, stating: “It’s great to be back writing for the Defoe Family, and to dive once more into to the complications of their lives and those of their clients.”

“In the final series of this bittersweet trilogy, Hannah faces the heartbreak of her own divorce, and the fight to save her family and her marriage. Siblings clash, past mistakes are exposed and hearts are broken as Noble Hale Defoe notches up more billable hours in the divorce capital of the world.”

Who will be in The Split season 3 cast?

We already know that fan-favorite Hannah will be back, played brilliantly as ever by Nicola Walker. BBC.co.uk reports that Nicola is just as keen as we are to see what lies in store for her character, saying: “I can’t wait to be back in the Defoe Family, we are all looking forward to the journey Abi has planned for us.

“I don’t know if Hannah will cling to the wreckage or walk away, but I do know it’s going to be a fantastic ride.”

She will be joined once again by Stephen Mangan as her now estranged husband Nathan. Whilst her sisters Nina, played by Annabel Scholey, and Rose, played by Fiona Button, are also set to return. Fans of their formidable mother Ruth, played by Deborah Findley, will be delighted to hear that she will also reportedly appear in season 3. Meanwhile, Chukwudi Iwuji will reprise his role as Zander Hale.

Further casting is yet to be announced, so who knows what other stars could be joining the cast of The Split season 3...

When will The Split season 3 be released?

Whilst the announcement that there will be a season 3 has already got many fans excited for what’s coming next, it seems we’re just going to have to be patient. It’s thought that filming has yet to begin and given the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the restrictions currently in place, it’s not yet known when they may be able to start, though it's reportedly due to be at some point in 2021.

If you can’t wait until then to dive back into the Defoe family’s high-octane lives, then why not catch up on all of the drama so far?

The Split seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.