Saturday, January 4, 2025

The Split viewers spot ‘alarm bells’ in first episode after show returns to our screens after two years

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The Split viewers have spotted ‘alarm bells’ in the first episode of the show as it returned to our screens after two years.

The BBC legal drama follows the lives of the Defoe family who all work in divorce law at their family law firm.

Nicola Walker returned to her role as Hannah Stern, the eldest sister in the Defoe family, for the new two-part special set in Barcelona, Spain.

Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button play Hannah’s sisters Nina and Rose and Stephen Mangan plays her husband Nathan Stern.

Other returning cast members include Deborah Findlay as Hannah’s mum Ruth, Ian McElhinney as Professor Ronnie, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Glen Peters, Elizabeth Roberts as Hannah’s daughter Liv Stern, and Alex Guersman as Gael.  

The first installment aired on Sunday and featured an unexpected plot twist at what was supposed to be a dream wedding for Liv.

The Split viewers have spotted ‘alarm bells’ in the first episode of the show as it returned to our screens after two years

Nicola Walker returned to her role as Hannah Stern, the eldest sister in the Defoe family, for the new two-part special set in Barcelona, Spain

Nicola Walker returned to her role as Hannah Stern, the eldest sister in the Defoe family, for the new two-part special set in Barcelona, Spain

Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button (pictured) play Hannah's sisters Nina and Rose and Stephen Mangan plays her husband Nathan Stern

Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button (pictured) play Hannah’s sisters Nina and Rose and Stephen Mangan plays her husband Nathan Stern

The synopsis for the special two-part series reads: ‘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, there will be 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?’

Fans quickly spotted red flags during the wedding celebrations and took to social media with their theories.

‘Groom and groom’s family heavy wedding means alarm bells,’ one wrote.

And they were somewhat correct as some of the drama did revolve around the groom’s family. 

When Hannah’s ex-husband Archie (Toby Stephens) turned up to the wedding it was revealed that his new fiance was in fact the father of the groom’s mistress. 

The first installment aired on Sunday and featured an unexpected plot twist at what was supposed to be a dream wedding for Hannah's daughter Liv

The first installment aired on Sunday and featured an unexpected plot twist at what was supposed to be a dream wedding for Hannah’s daughter Liv

When Hannah's ex-husband Archie (Toby Stephens) turned up to the wedding it was revealed that his new fiance was in fact the father of the groom's mistress

When Hannah’s ex-husband Archie (Toby Stephens) turned up to the wedding it was revealed that his new fiance was in fact the father of the groom’s mistress

Despite Archie's (pictured) engagement, viewers still thought Hannah's new husband and her ex would clash in the second episode

Despite Archie’s (pictured) engagement, viewers still thought Hannah’s new husband and her ex would clash in the second episode

Despite Archie’s engagement, viewers still thought Hannah’s new husband and her ex would clash in the second episode. 

‘Oooh, I bet it’s going to kick off in a minute,’ one said.

Another wrote: ‘Oh wonder if we’ll get a Archie and Nathan punch up?’

Others gushed over the show, praising the storyline and acting from the cast.

‘Oh I have missed this. Shenanigans under Spanish sun, Nicole Walker drinking. Blimey, she can put it away. Twists. Turns. Prenups. The DRAMA. Superb cast and writing. Lets not waste time, we need another London outing.’ 

‘As usual the acting is superb. Funny and heart warming. This final acceptance of the truth was everything. So sad but beautiful at the same time. Gonna miss. #Thesplit Thank you for this short treat.’ 

‘I need The Split to make an official return. I need the Defoes back on my screen – for more than 2 episodes!’

‘Finally, a quality programme with superb acting. Best programme (series) of the festive season by a million miles. Can’t wait for tomorrow night’s episode (shame there’s not more though).’

‘#TheSplit is still one of my all time favourite shows! Each and every actor plays such a crucial part and the sisters bond is so dear. Forever pulls on my heartstrings. Almost don’t want to watch the second Barcelona episode because I don’t want it to ever be over.’

Unfortunately for fans, The Split is not set to return for a fourth season but they can look forward to the upcoming spin-off series The Split-Up which will centre around the high-stakes world of Manchester’s divorce law circuit.

All episodes of The Split are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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