Outlander’s Tom Christie star lifts the lid on ‘startling’ Claire Fraser kiss

After many were shocked to see Tom Christie (played by Mark Lewis Jones) and Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe) reunite with a kiss, the star opened up on the unexpected smooch. 

Outlander’s fourth episode saw Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and Claire’s fans go off course as he was conscripted into the looming Revolutionary War. 

As a result, Claire was running errands in Wilmington when she bumped into Tom, who she assumed was dead. 

Before she could question his survival, Tom planted a surprising kiss on her lips before uttering a single word. 

Detailing the abrupt moment, Mark Lewis Jones reflected: “It was very funny to do ’cause we get a flash of old Tom.’”

“I think when he kisses her and kind of catches himself, he’s almost more shocked and surprised than she is.

Speaking to TVInsider, the actor added: “And so you kind of get a flash of the pious, uptight, broomstick-up-his-behind Tom, you know?”

After regaining composure Tom revealed he was shocked to see Claire because he assumed the nurse was killed during the Fraser’s Ridge fire. 

While she was certain Tom was dead after he took the fall for his daughter Malva Christie’s (Jessica Reynold) death, allowing Claire to be released from prison. 

During their conversation, Tom also revealed he had submitted the obituary which sparked Brianna’s (Sophie Skelton) venture into the past to warn her parents about their death. 

He explained he could not bear their lives going unacknowledged after the impact Jamie and Claire had had on his life. 

The inaccurate tribute also removed the long-held concern she and Jamie would perish in a fire. 

While Roger MacKenzie (Richard Rankin) praised his wife Brianna for inventing the matches which ultimately saved her parents’ lives. 

Although they had traveled back to the future, her concern was eased as Roger assumed the matches could’ve given them enough time to escape.

This proved to be true as Wendigo Donner (Brennan Martin) knocked over a bottle of ether which quickly dispersed around the big house. 

Despite Claire’s warning, he lit the match and watched it burn for a while before dropping it. 

While he watched the flame, Jamie and his wife were able to escape with Mr (Hugh Ross) and Mrs. Bug (Sarah Collier) just moments before the explosion.  

Tom’s unexpected kiss also led to a steamy moment between Jamie and Claire as the Highlander showed a touch of jealousy when informed about their interaction. 

Outlander season 7 continues Fridays on Starz in the USA.