Rochdale features prominently in the BBC’s eagerly anticipated new drama, The Split Up, following filming in the borough in December 2025.

A spin-off from hit legal drama The Split, the six-part series is set in Manchester and follows the Kishan family as they navigate the high-stakes world of divorce law. Rochdale locations were chosen to provide key municipal and court settings for the production.

Rochdale Film Office supported the production by helping the team access suitable locations and acting as a link between the production and those responsible for the locations. Its local knowledge and relationships helped the crew transform Rochdale’s distinctive civic architecture into convincing locations for the series.

The production demonstrates how Rochdale Film Office can help television and film companies identify suitable settings, access locations and make the local connections needed to bring a production to the borough.

The first episode of The Split Up aired on BBC One on Sunday 20 September, continuing on Monday 21 September, with the series running weekly. All episodes are also available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The series showcases Rochdale Town Hall’s courtroom, grand staircase and entrance, corridors, spiral staircase and other stunning historic interiors, providing the perfect backdrop for the high-end legal drama. Spot the historic courtroom featuring in the first-look trailer. Watch the first trailer for The Split Up. [youtube.com]