FIRST LOOK: THE SPLIT RETURNS TO BBC ONE THIS APRIL FOR THIRD AND FINAL SERIES

BBC One drama The Split returns this April for its third series. A selection of first look images have been released.

Set in the fast-paced, complex world of London’s high-end divorce circuit, The Split is an authentic, multilayered and witty examination of modern marriage and the legacy of divorce.

Following the messy lives of the three Defoe sisters, Hannah (Nicola Walker), Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose (Fiona Button) and their formidable mother Ruth (Deborah Findlay), Abi Morgan is set to conclude the trilogy with the most dramatic and heartbreaking series to date, as we watch a divorce lawyer confronted by her very own divorce.

Adding fuel to the fire, the catalyst to the breakdown of Hannah and Nathan’s marriage, Christie (Barry Atsma), will also return to the final series, which sees Hannah and Nathan’s formerly rock-solid marriage unravel as they try to come to an amicable separation agreement.

As Hannah and Nathan begin to divide up their 20 years together, Hannah faces what she is about to lose and a shocking revelation dramatically changes the stakes. As the battlelines are redrawn, we wonder if their dream of achieving the 'good divorce' is even possible.

Bafta and Emmy Award-winning writer Abi Morgan OBE will make her directorial debut for the third and final series of BBC's The Split.

On her directorial debut, Abi Morgan says: "So much of a writer’s life is solitary that it has been a complete joy to direct and to finally get to work with the brilliant cast and crew and be part of the magic that happens between first read-through and final edit that I normally don’t get to see...

"Terrifying as I have worked with some truly great directors in my time, but it was a pleasure to join The Split directorial team helmed by Dee Koppang O’Leary. Having tried it I hope it won’t be my last time."

The Split returns this April on BBC One.