Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe have released an emotional message to fans (Picture: Starz!/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock)
Outlander is officially returning for an eighth season, it’s been announced ahead of the release of season 7 – but it will mark the end to the beloved period drama.
However, fans need not worry about filling the Outlander-shaped hole in their lives, as a prequel series is going to be on the way in the near future.
In a video shared on social media, the cast of the show made the announced that season 8 was in the works, with Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser, describing their experience of telling the tale over the past nine years as ‘an incredible journey’.
‘Thank you so much for being with us from day one,’ added Claire Fraser actor Caitríona Balfe, who was sitting beside him.
‘Every good story has to come to an end,’ Sam stated, as Caitríona then added: ‘They always do.’
John Bell, who portrays Ian Fraser Murray in the story, pledged to viewers: ‘We’re going to go out with a bang and tell the story the way it should be,’ as other cast members reflected on the fact that they’ll have another year of playing their respective characters until the time comes to bid farewell.
After John admitted it will be ‘bittersweet’, Sam said: ‘We can’t wait to bring the last season to you guys,’ as Caitríona concluded the video by saying: ‘And we hope that we do you proud and we are very, very grateful. So thank you.’
Kathryn Busby, president of original programming for Starz, spoke about the prospect of Outlander drawing to a close, saying in a statement obtained by Variety: ‘For nearly a decade Outlander has won the hearts of audiences worldwide and we’re pleased to bring Claire and Jamie’s epic love story to a proper conclusion.
‘But before we close this chapter there is plenty of their passionate story to tell over the course of 26 new episodes and even more to explore of this dynamic world and its origin story.’
The prequel will follow the story of Jamie’s parents (Picture: Starz!/Kobal/Rex)
While fans were happy to hear that Outlander would be back for an eighth season, they were also understandably sad to learn that the end was nigh, with several saying they were in tears over the announcement.
‘I’m thankfully, happy, sad and tearful!! The news brings out all the feels. Thank you to all that make Outlander the epic and amazing journey it is!!’ one person tweeted.
‘All the feels..and bittersweet 😥 Nothing will match what Outlander brings to the fans…THANK YOU ❤️,’ another wrote.
While Outlander is ending, a prequel spin-off titled Outlander: Blood of My Blood has officially been greenlit, which will follow the story of Jamie’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser.
‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood is, at its heart, a love story,’ said writer and executive producer Matthew B Roberts.
‘It will explore what lengths a person will go to find love in a time when love is considered a luxury, and when marriages are made strategically, often for political or financial gain.
‘The title is a nod to Jamie Fraser’s marriage vow to Claire and there will be several names and faces that Outlander fans will know and recognise.’
The seventh season of Outlander is due to premiere later this year.
Outlander is available to watch on Lionsgate Plus in the UK.
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Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe have released an emotional message to fans.
