Donna Air lands role in The Split as second series goes into production

The actress and TV presenter will play one half of a powerful celebrity couple who is seeking divorce from her husband, portrayed by Doctor Who star Ben Bailey Smith.

Air’s character Fi hires Hannah (Nicola Walker) to help her prepare to leave her “dangerously coercive and manipulative partner” Richie, in a divorce that promises to be “public and messy”.

• The best TV shows airing in 2019
• Stay up to date with the RadioTimes.com newsletter
• Listen to the RadioTimes.com Podcast now: subscribe on iTunes/subscribe on Google Podcasts

Alongside Walker, the returning cast also includes Annabel Scholey, Stephen Mangan, Fiona Button, Deborah Findlay, Rudi Dharmalingam and Barry Atsma.

Writer Abi Morgan said: “Returning for the second series of The Split, the world of high end law and the stories of love, marriage and divorce in the metropolis ricochet through the lives of Hannah and her sisters.

“Relationships are challenged, friendships are tested and the lines between work and home blue. It’s great to be back."

Air rose to fame alongside Ant and Dec on BBC children’s drama Byker Grove and went on to present shows like The Big Breakfast and MTV Select. Most recently she was one of the contestants on Dancing on Ice 2018.

Filming has begun on The Split series two in London. The drama is set to return to BBC1 later in 2019.