From BAFTA and Primetime Emmy award-winning writer Abi Morgan (River, Suffragette, The Hour) and BAFTA winning executive producer Jane Featherstone (Broadchurch, River, Humans) comes The Split, a new original drama series for BBC ONE produced by Sister Pictures.

The Split examines the fast paced circuit of high-powered female divorce lawyers through the lens of three sisters – Hannah, Nina and the youngest, Rose. Hannah and Nina are leading divorce and family law lawyers working for rival firms, whilst Rose is still searching for her place in life.

Creator and writer Abi Morgan said: “As Robin Williams once said ‘Divorce is expensive…Like ripping your heart out through your wallet.’ The Split exposes the complex realities of high end divorce and broken marriage through female divorce lawyers and sisters embattled and bound by their own troubled past. I am delighted to be working with the aptly named Sister Pictures, continuing the creative partnership Jane Featherstone and I built together on Tsunami, The Hour and River. I can’t think of a better home for it than with Charlotte Moore and Lucy Richer and am delighted to bring this lively and unseen world to the BBC.”

The Split is set in London, the divorce capital of the world, where competition for clients is fierce. Over the course of the series personal and professional lives intertwine as we encounter a surprising array of cases, scandalous affairs and big figure settlements in a drama that examines the very fabric of 21st century marriage, the meaning of commitment and the nature of the ever-changing idea of family.

Jane Featherstone, Executive Producer and Founder of Sister Pictures, said: “I couldn’t be happier that Sister Pictures’ first greenlight is a fabulous Abi Morgan series for BBC1. The Split will be an emotional and entertaining exploration of love, marriage and divorce with Abi bringing her trademark wit, insight and truth to our two brilliant and strong women fighting to try and work out how to survive modern life.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said: “Abi Morgan’s contemporary new series will invite BBC One viewers into an entertaining new world bringing a fresh tone to the channel. I’m excited to be working with Abi and Jane once again and giving Sister Pictures their first commission.”

The Split, created and written by Abi Morgan, will be produced by Sister Pictures for BBC ONE. The series will be executive produced by Sister Pictures Founder Jane Featherstone, creator Abi Morgan, and Lucy Richer for the BBC. Further production details will be announced in due course.