Outlander sensation Sam Heughan has opened up about parting ways with his iconic role as the 18th century Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser, after hinting at the show's final scene and discussing an exciting new endeavour.
In a heartfelt chat on The Travel Diaries with Holly Rubenstein podcast, the 45 year old actor reflected on the conclusion of the Starz series that catapulted him to fame and has been a significant part of his life for over 10 years, reports the Daily Record.
Heughan was questioned if he felt prepared to bid farewell to his character, particularly after filming concluded and he embarked on a trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. He mused: "I thought perhaps while I was filming at the time, I thought, 'Oh, this is going to be a great way to say goodbye.'".
"And, of course, the reality of it was I was more concentrated on breathing and putting one step in front of the other and not freezing to death.
"I mean, I don't think there was much time thinking of Jamie Fraser. There was a lot of time to think, it was fantastic."
The actor elaborated on his emotional detachment from Jamie Fraser, expressing: "But actually saying goodbye to Jamie Fraser has been a longer process, it's weird. I don't know.
"Spending 11 years in one intense world, playing a certain character, it's taken time and perhaps only now do I feel like I've certainly put it to rest."
After embodying the valiant Outlander lead for an extended period, Heughan is set to showcase his versatility by embracing the dark role of Macbeth in the Royal Shakespeare Company's upcoming production later this year.
He will be sharing the screen with Lia Williams, known for her roles in The Crown and The Capture, who will be playing the equally devious Lady Macbeth in the Scottish Play.
In addition to discussing the conclusion of Outlander on the podcast, Heughan also shared his favourite travel destinations, past trips, and when he first decided to pursue acting.
The eighth and final season of Outlander is set to premiere in early 2026, as announced by Starz at San Diego Comic-Con.
Meanwhile, eager fans can delve into the prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood, which delves into the love stories of Jamie and Claire Fraser's (portrayed by Caitríona Balfe) parents.
The series is set to launch this week with a double-bill special, immersing audiences in the worlds of Britain during the Blitz and 18th-century Scottish Highland clan warfare.
Viewers will follow the lives of Brian Fraser (played by Jamie Roy), Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater), Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine), and Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield), whose lives are intricately linked due to a bit of troublesome time travel.
Season two is already in the works after Starz renewed Blood of My Blood ahead of the series premiere.
Outlander season 8 will premiere on Starz and MGM+ via Prime Video in early 2026
Outlander: Blood of My Blood premieres on Starz on August 8 and on Prime Video via MGM+ on August 9
The Travel Diaries with Holly Rubenstein podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts
