The BBC has released the first look pictures of The Split: Barcelona - the highly-anticipated return of the Defoes. And good news for fans, it's coming soon.

The two-part special of the hit legal drama - created and written by multi-award winning Abi Morgan - will be arriving on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

New pictures released today (Monday, October 14, 2024) include the first look at new cast addition Toby Stephens... Read on to see the photos, and everything we know about the spin-off so far.

How can I watch The Split: Barcelona?

The Split spin-off set in Barcelona is coming soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It was filmed in Spain earlier this year. In fact, principal filming wrapped in May.

Despite fears the show had ended for good, after series 3's heartbreaking finale, the series will return… Albeit for a short series 4 of just two episodes.

Although the BBC has not yet confirmed the start date, we're confident it's coming soon. Why else tease us with these new pictures from set?

All previous series (there are three of them) are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

What we know about series 4 of The Split so far

The new photos of The Split: Barcelona - aka series 4 - introduces actor Toby Stephens as "eligible" family lawyer Archie Moore. Archie could well be a new love interest for Hannah - or either of her sisters, to be fair.

However, if you're one of the show's fans hoping for a Hannah and Nathan reunion, there may be hope.

One new photo from the set of series 4 shows Nicola Walker's character Hannah stroking Nathan's cheek affectionately.

Fans will know that series 3 ended with Hannah and Nathan agreeing to part for good - sob! - after 20 years together. They agree to navigate their way through a "good divorce". The new two-parter catches up with them two years later.

We know the special two-parter of The Split is set in Barcelona, Spain. The BBC told us: "Hit legal drama The Split is set to return to BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year in a Spanish extravaganza set over one sun-soaked weekend."

The episodes will 'explore the themes of love'

The statement continued: "The episodes will explore the themes of love, legacy, and modern marriage, through a sparkling cast of characters that audiences know and love.

"The Split will encompass break-ups, reunions and like all good weddings, plenty of romance. Can Hannah banish the ghosts of her past and open herself up to the possibility of love again in the Spanish countryside? Can she find the courage to take the leap into a new future?"

Where is The Split: Barcelona set? Where was it filmed?

As the title suggests, The Split series 4 was filmed and is set in Barcelona.

The new pictures show the much-loved Defoe family as they swap briefcases for suitcases, and head to Barcelona for a destination wedding in the sun-drenched vineyards of Catalonia.

We're told: "Two years on from the third and final series, 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."

Who is in the cast of The Split: Barcelona?

The Split: Barcelona will introduce audiences to a host of new characters, as well as many of the cast of series one to three.

All our favourite cast members from The Split are returning - including Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey, Fiona Button, Deborah Findlay, Ian McElhinney, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Elizabeth Roberts and Alex Guersman.

Meanwhile, One Day star Toby Stephens - Maggie Smith's son – joins as lawyer Archie Moore.

Spanish actor Manu Fullola and Argentinian Romina Cocca will play glamorous hosts Alvaro and Valentina.

Who wrote The Split: Barcelona?

Abi Morgan created The Split, and has written all subsequent series of the show. She's also known for Netflix series Eric, the brilliant detective drama River, and the equally fantastic The Hour. Basically, we're in good hands here.

She says of the new series: "In a world of brutal break-ups and tantalising make-ups, the Defoe family are invited to a destination wedding of their own, promising all that audiences have grown to love about The Split.

"Problematic pre-nups, scandalous wedding crashers, and low-flying marriage proposals, as romcom meets gone wrong, in a chaotic and riotous weekend that guarantees to crack open the heart, before the last of the guests have gone home."

How many episodes is The Split series 4?

The Split: Barcelona will only be two-parts. We already know that will NOT be enough.

The BBC are keeping tight-lipped about possible series of The Split. But how can they ignore the show's millions of loyal fans?

Watch this space.

The first three series of The Split are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.