The show has left a legacy, both in the film industry thanks to training opportunities, and on the tourism industry due to the huge numbers of fans who visit Scotland to see places associated with the show.
The “Outlander effect” is set to continue as the show branches into a prequel story about the parents of the original hero Jamie, and his wife Claire, played by Caitriona Balfe.
But for the pair, this is the final chapter.
Heughan says he’s never felt constricted by the character. He’s published books, launched his own distillery in Galloway where he grew up, and appeared in other acting roles.
But he said he was ready to move on from the role which has dominated his life for more than a decade.
“Outlander gave me so much,” he said.
“I’m really thankful for it. Obviously, our schedule was really full-on so it was hard to fit other projects in but I was lucky to do some movies and other TV shows and the business side creating the Galloway Distillery and the Sassenach brand which has been a passion project of mine.
“But I’m also ready to do new things and it feels good to come back to where it all began.”
