Outlander’s Sam Heughan opens up on ‘sadness’ of filming final series

Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan) and his other half Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) face yet another torrid time in Outlander’s imminent seventh season. 

The Starz drama’s penultimate season, which streams on Lionsgate+ in the UK, is set to premiere on June 16 and will pick up with Claire wanted for murder. 

But Jamie will undoubtedly stop at nothing to save his time-travelling partner in order for the two to face the eighth and final season beyond. 

With seven seasons under their belt already now though and one more to go, actors Balfe and Heughan have had more than their fair share of tense, action-packed and – more often than not – passionate on-screen moments. 

So it’s understandable the two are having mixed emotions about the show’s final season. 

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Speaking to Radio Times about the upcoming season and preparing to say farewell to Fraser’s Ridge, Heughan said: “It’s the most jam-packed series ever. 

“The American War of Independence is here, we’ve got big battles, returning characters… it’s ridiculous how much we’ve packed in.”

Balfe branded the upcoming season as “epic” before expanding: “I think fans will be happy. 

“It’s really strange thinking that, this time next year, it’ll be finished. 

“Having eight series will give us a real opportunity to finish it properly,” Balfe continued. 

However, she conceded: “But at the same time, it’s going to be sad.”

“It’s been a great journey, and to share it with Caitríona has been fantastic,” Heughan weighed in.

But despite insisting the Outlander leading stars will maintain a lifelong friendship, he too admitted: “There’s going to be a lot of sadness — but we still have a lot to film. There’s a long way to go yet.”

Outlander season 7 premieres on Lionsgate+ on Friday, June 16.