The Split: Barcelona is on the horizon, but who’s making a comeback and are there any fresh faces?
Two years back, the popular drama concluded on a bittersweet note as Hannah Stern (portrayed by Nicola Walker) and Nathan (Stephen Mangan) parted ways, yet remained hopeful for what lay ahead.
The Split is now back in action, with the family heading to Barcelona for their daughter Liv’s (Elizabeth Roberts) picturesque vineyard wedding. But how will the event unfold?
The Split: Barcelona cast
Hannah Stern – Nicola Walker
In the third season, high-flying divorce attorney Hannah Stern confessed her love for Christie Carmichael (Barry Atsma), but couldn’t follow him to New York due to her family commitments, leaving them both devastated.
Nicola Walker, known for her roles as DCI Cassie Stuart in Unforgotten and the eponymous character in last year’s adaptation of Annika, brings Hannah to life.
Walker’s other notable performances include Last Tango in Halifax, Spooks, River, Four Weddings, and a Funeral.
Nathan – Stephen Mangan
In the third season, Nathan amicably agreed with Hannah to separate and co-parent their children, and he has since moved on with his new partner, Katie.
Stephen Mangan, best remembered for his roles as Guy Secretan in Green Wing, Dan Moody in I’m Alan Partridge, and Sean Lincoln in Episodes, plays Nathan.
The Split: Hannah Stern is played by actress Nicola Walker. (Image: BBC)
The Split: Nathan is played by actor Stephen Mangan. (Image: BBC)
The Split: Nina Defoe is played by actress Annabel Scholey. (Image: BBC)
Nina Defoe – Annabel Scholey
Season three concluded on a positive note for Hannah’s sister Nina, who finally managed to curb her kleptomania and alcoholism, thanks to the presence of her young daughter Cora.
Annabel Scholey, who portrays Nina, has an impressive acting portfolio including The Couple Next Door, The Serial Killer’s Wife, Dead and Buried, and Disney+’s Rivals where she plays Beattie Johnson.
Rose Defoe – Fiona Button
Hannah’s other sister, Rose, along with her husband James (Rudi Dharmalingam), made the decision to explore adoption after failing to conceive naturally at the end of season three.
Fiona Button, who brings Rose to life, has appeared in Lip Service, You, Me and the Apocalypse, Other Strangers, and Grantchester as Jennifer Chambers.
Ruth – Deborah Findlay
Hannah’s mother Ruth ties the knot with Ronnie (Ian McElhinney) and launches a podcast about marriage and divorce named LoveCast.
Deborah Findlay, who plays Ruth, is a familiar face from shows like Vanity Fair, Torchwood, Cranford, Collateral, and The Lady in the Van.
The Split: Rose Defoe is played by actress Fiona Button. (Image: BBC)
The Split: Ruth is played by actress Deborah Findlay. (Image: BBC)
Liv – Elizabeth Roberts
Liv, the daughter of Hannah and Nathan, is the reason the entire family heads to Barcelona for her impending nuptials.
Elizabeth Roberts, who plays Liv, is a newcomer to the acting scene. Her brief career includes minor roles in Casualty, Call the Midwife, Father Brown, and The Serial Killer’s Wife.
Ronnie – Ian McElhinney
Ian McElhinney, known for his role as Barristan Selmy in HBO’s Game of Thrones, portrays Ronnie, Ruth’s partner.
He’s graced our screens in The Outlaws, Unforgotten, Derry Girls, Bloodlands, and High Country to mention just a few.
Portraying Gael is Alex Guersman, Liv’s betrothed, showcasing his talent as an actor having previously featured in short films before joining the cast of The Split.
The series will also welcome fresh faces including Black Sails’ Toby Stephens as Archie Moore and playing the “glamourous hosts” Alvaro and Valentina are actors Manu Fullola and Romina Cocca, respectively.
The Split: Barcelona airs on Sunday, December 29, and Monday, December 30, at 9pm on One and iPlayer.