The Split: Barcelona cast: Meet the new and returning characters
Nicola Walker and co return for the BBC divorce drama's first ever special.
The Split returns to our screens this December for its first ever special.
The action picks up two years on from the events of season 3. Hannah and Nathan are in Barcelona with the rest of the family for the wedding of their daughter Liv.
But in typical The Split fashion, it will be far from smooth sailing.
"Explosive secrets come to light that threaten to derail the wedding, unravel a marriage of 30 years, and encourage Hannah to finally face her fears and commit to something new," teases the synopsis.
Hannah grows close to "mysterious" new character Archie, but she's reluctant to commit.
"Can Hannah open herself up to the possibility of love again?"
Read more:
- The Split creator teases future of show after Barcelona specials
- The Split's Nicola Walker says series return "genuinely felt like a gift"
A number of familiar faces have returned for the two-parter, plus some new characters who are guaranteed to spice up proceedings.
Find a full rundown of The Split: Barcelona cast below.
The Split: Barcelona cast
- Nicola Walker as Hannah
- Stephen Mangan as Nathan
- Deborah Findlay as Ruth
- Annabel Scholey as Nina
- Fiona Button as Rose
- Elizabeth Roberts as Liv
- Alex Guersman as Gael
- Ian McElhinney as Ronnie
- Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Glen
- Toby Stephens as Archie
- Romina Cocca as Valentina
- Manu Fullola as Álvaro
- Tibu Fortes as Julian
- Dariam Coco as Lola
- Amanda Goldsmith as Wren
For more information about the characters and where you've seen the actors who play them before, read on.
Nicola Walker plays Hannah
Who is Hannah? At the end of season 3, the high-powered divorce lawyer separated from her own husband Nathan. While she still loved him, the emotional baggage from his infidelity and the relationship she formed with Christie was simply too heavy to work through and they parted ways.
Where have I seen Nicola Walker before? She's best known for Unforgotten, Spooks, Touching Evil, Annika, Marriage and Last Tango in Halifax. Other credits include Collateral, River and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Stephen Mangan plays Nathan
Who is Nathan? Nathan was married to Hannah, but he cheated on her in season 1 via an online dating site. At the end of season 3, his girlfriend Kate was pregnant. They're now married and have two children.
Where have I seen Stephen Mangan before? He's best known for Episodes, Green Wing and I'm Alan Partridge. He has also starred in Jeeves and Wooster, and was nominated for a Tony for his role in The Norman Conquests. Other credits include Hang Ups and Dirk Gently.
Deborah Findlay plays Ruth
Who is Ruth Defoe? The Defoe matriarch and mother of three daughters – Hannah, Nina and Rose – of whom all but the youngest are practising divorce lawyers. She's had a particularly fractious relationship with Nina in the past.
Where have I seen Deborah Findlay before? Viewers will also recognise Findlay from the likes of Collateral, The Drowning, Hampstead, Vanity Fair, The Lady in the Van, State of Play, Torchwood and Cranford.
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Annabel Scholey plays Nina
Who is Nina? One of the Defoe sisters. She's a divorce lawyer who fell for one of her clients, comedian Rex, during season 1. The pair split up when he got back together with his wife, but at the end of season 2 he made a surprise reappearance. In season 3, Nina started going to Alcoholics Anonymous, and she's now seeing someone new, but Nina's family aren't keen on him.
Where have I seen Annabel Scholey before? You might know her from The Sixth Commandment, Rivals, Dead and Buried, The Serial Killer’s Wife, The Salisbury Poisonings, Britannia, Medici, Inspector George Gently, Walking on Sunshine,, Being Human and the 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre (with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens).
Fiona Button plays Rose
Who is Rose Defoe? One of the three Defoe sisters. Rose eventually married fiancé James in season 1, despite her doubts. In season 3, he was hit by a car and died. She's now with Glen.
Where have I seen Fiona Button before? She has also appeared in Industry, an episode of Death in Paradise, Grantchester, Lip Service, and You, Me and the Apocalypse.
Elizabeth Roberts plays Liv
Who is Liv? Hannah and Nathan's daughter. She's getting married in Spain.
What else has Elizabeth Roberts been in? She appeared in an episode of Call the Midwife and has also appeared in The Serial Killer's Wife.
Alex Guersman plays Gael
Who is Gael? Liv's partner. They're about to tie the knot in a swanky Spanish wedding on an estate owned by his family.
What else has Alex Guersman been in? This is his most notable role.
Ian McElhinney plays Ronnie
Who is Ronnie? He was a friend of Ruth's before they moved into romantic territory – and are still going strong.
What else has Ian McElhinney been in? His credits also include include Derry Girls, Game of Thrones, The Outlaws, High Country, A Small Light, Unforgotten and Bloodlands.
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith plays Glen
Who is Glen? A vicar. He oversaw James and Rose's wedding, and is now doing the same for Liv and Gael. Glen is in a relationship with Rose.
What else has Kobna Holdbrook-Smith been in? You might also have watched him in Red Election, His Dark Materials, Mary Poppins Returns, Wonka and The Last Panthers. He also performed in a stage production of Hamlet with Benedict Cumberbatch.
Toby Stephens plays Archie
Who is Archie? A "mysterious lawyer" who has grown close to Hannah, but she's afraid to fully commit after being burned in love previously. Archie is a friend of Gael's family.
What else has Toby Stephens been in? He's best known for James Bond film Die Another Day. You might also know him from Lost in Space, Black Sails, McDonald & Dodds, One Day and Jane Eyre.
Romina Cocca plays Valentina
Who is Valentina? Gael's mother. The family own the estate where the wedding party are staying.
What else has Romina Cocca been in? Her credits include Catalan-language series The Hockey Girls and film The Penguin Lessons.
Manu Fullola plays Álvaro
Who is Álvaro? Valentina's husband – they've been married for 30 years – and Gael's father.
What else has Manu Fullola been in? He has appeared in Spanish-language series Amar en tiempos revueltos, El comisario, Al salir de clase, Ángel o demonio and Las invisibles.
Tibu Fortes plays Julian
Who is Julian? Nina's new, rich partner. They have no qualms about packing on the PDA.
What else has Tibu Fortes been in? He's best known for Shetland.
Dariam Coco plays Lola
Who is Lola? She's employed by Valentina and Álvaro. Lola catches Nina's eye.
What else has Dariam Coco been in? You might know her from Spanish-language series Welcome to Eden and A Different View.
Additional cast includes:
- Amanda Goldsmith (Dr Death) as Wren – Archie's plus one.
The Split: Barcelona will air at 9pm on Sunday 29th December and at 9pm on Monday 30th December on BBC One and iPlayer, while seasons 1-3 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
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