The passionate love story between Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall has captivated "Outlander" fans for years, but the actors behind these beloved characters, Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, have maintained a strictly professional and friendly relationship off-screen. Despite their intense on-screen chemistry, both actors are quick to emphasize the sibling-like bond they share in real life.
“We’re like brother and sister now — we know each other really well as we’ve been working together for six years which is just crazy,” Heughan mentioned during an interview on BBC’s "The Love/Hate Club" podcast in June 2020.
Balfe, reflecting on their bond, echoed similar sentiments. “There’s a small vocal group that really wanted [Sam and I to get together], which is just a testament to the characters that we portray, that the love story is so inspiring and so aspirational that people just really wanted to believe in it,” she told Parade in October 2018.
While fans speculated about Balfe’s romantic life, she kept her real-life relationship with music producer Tony McGill largely out of the public eye.
In August 2021, Balfe revealed another major life event on Instagram: the birth of her baby boy. Before her relationship with McGill, Balfe dated Radio 4 musician Dave Milone, but by October 2013, she confirmed she was single.
Unlike his character Jamie Fraser, Sam Heughan has remained relatively reserved about his dating life.
In a candid moment, Heughan discussed the challenges of maintaining a relationship while working extensively. “Certainly, relationships are hard when you’re working in Scotland 10 months a year,” he told Inquirer in January 2020. “I travel a lot and any downtime I have, I’m trying to do other projects, so very much, my career comes first. Maybe I will find someone eventually.”
In March 2022, Heughan was spotted kissing model Monika Clarke during a New York outing, adding another chapter to his elusive romantic history.
Duncan Lacroix, who plays Murtagh Fraser, has kept his personal life under wraps but has been more vocal about his character's enduring love for Jamie’s mother, Ellen. “I think it’s an interesting character point for him that he’s stayed in love with the idea of this woman,” Lacroix shared in a May 2015 interview with Vulture. “But the oath he took to protect Jamie has become the driving force of his life, really.”
Sophie Skelton, who portrays Brianna Fraser, was previously linked with producer Jeff Gum beginning in 2017. Meanwhile, her co-star Richard Rankin, who plays Roger MacKenzie, was rumored to be dating his "Syndicate" co-star Cara Theobold after being spotted together multiple times.
Tobias Menzies, known for his dual role as Frank Randall and Black Jack Randall, dated Kristin Scott Thomas after starring together in a London production of "As You Desire Me" in 2006. Their relationship, though private, was noted for its connection through their shared passion for acting.
The romantic lives of the "Outlander" cast are as intriguing as the series itself, filled with speculations, confirmations, and heartfelt moments. While their on-screen characters navigate intense and often tumultuous relationships, the actors' real lives reflect a mix of privacy and occasional public revelations. As fans continue to follow the series, they remain equally fascinated by the personal lives of the stars who bring their favorite characters to life.
