Stephen Mangan shares true feelings on BBC The Split newcomer Toby Stephens ahead of on-screen clash
The Split star Stephen Mangan has revealed his stance on series newcomer Toby Stephens – who is set to play the new lover of his character’s ex-wife.
The 56-year-old was speaking ahead of the beloved series returning next week with The Split: Barcelona.
The new series will see Mangan returned as Nathan Stern along with his on-screen ex-wife, Hannah Defoe, played by Nicola Walker.
They will reunite and meet new faces at a glamorous wedding in Spain’s wine country, Catalonia.
Stephens, 55, will play Archie Moore, the family’s lawyer and Hannah’s new love interest.
Speaking to the BBC, Mangan explained both he and his character’s thoughts on the newcomer.
“Annoyingly, you couldn’t help but love him, much as my character didn’t want to!” The 56-year-old admitted.
Reflecting on Nathan’s feelings, he added: “It’s always quite a devastating moment when you find out that your ex-partner is with somebody else.”
Mangan revealed that both Stephens and his character Moore were “lovely guy(s)” – which naturally complicated the already awkward love triangle.
That complex blend of emotions naturally posed a new acting challenge on The Split.
Mangan explained that he and the other actors were able to use the onset dynamic of both Stephens and his character being the “new guy in the group” to their advantage.
“We’re all checking him out, he’s checking us out, he’s trying to work out how to make this work,” Mangan explained.
Looking back on his own time on the upcoming show, Stephens focused on his onscreen relationship with Walker.
“It’s about Hannah’s fear,” the 55-year-old analysed, adding that Walker’s character is scared of committing to another partner who may leave her.
Teasingly, Stephen’s revealed no details on how he and Mangan will butt heads.
In her own reflections, Walker praised the “utterly brilliant” writing of The Split creator and writer Abi Morgan.
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She told the BBC that Morgan’s “genius” is found in the subtle details she layers within the dialogue, staging and even costumes of the acclaimed series.
Walker gushed that those tiny touches are like that are “little gifts” that “open up the whole character for you as an actor”.
Summarising her thoughts on Morgan, Walker added: “That’s why her writing is so great, and it’s so amazing to play her characters.”