Outlander: Blood of My Blood star says Caitríona Balfe has been an “unbelievable support” with series

Embarking upon a new chapter in the upcoming series ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood‘ isn’t an effortless task for me, given that my character was first introduced in the primary storyline.

Instead, Conor MacNeill – the actor portraying Ned Gowan in the latest drama series – shared that he gained valuable insights from none other than Caitriona Balfe, a key cast member from Outlander.

I’m quite acquainted with the captivating character of Ned Gowan, a figure that resonates deeply with many Outlander enthusiasts. Interestingly enough, he was brilliantly brought to life on screen by the talented Bill Paterson in the initial series.

“I don’t even know how I’d go about doing that! I’ve never even asked, it’s pretty mad.”

During that time, it’s worth noting that while we were filming Outlander season 1, they were already producing season 8 part 2 in the same studios. As a result, we spent quite a bit of time together, and Caitríona has been an incredible source of support for everyone involved.

Initially, upon securing the job, I contacted her and she offered valuable guidance. To put it simply, everyone adores it so much – they’re still around for season 8, aren’t they? It’s clear that everyone enjoys working on the show, and I believe that speaks volumes about its appeal. Just by observing them, you can sense this is going to be an exciting journey. They’ve been fantastic throughout.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of spending quality time with these extraordinary productions. Recently, we embarked on an unforgettable press day that felt like a seamless passing of the torch. We gathered together to discuss both shows in depth, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone shared their insights. This collective conversation was a truly heartwarming experience that left me feeling deeply connected to the work and the fellow reviewers.

In 2021, MacNeill acted alongside Balfe in Belfast, and since then, these previous on-screen partners have also had the distinctive opportunity to join the Outlander universe together.

In the 18th-century Scottish setting, MacNeill’s Gowan belongs to the prominent MacKenzie lineage, which serves as our main focus. The demise of Red Jacob, portrayed by Peter Mullan, creates a whirlwind of uncertainty regarding who will assume the role of Laird within the family and wield authority.

However, as internal struggles for power emerge within the family, it falls upon Gowan to prevent the MacKenzie siblings from allowing their disputes to escalate excessively.

Famous for his roles in Industry and The Tourist, MacNeill found stepping into the world of Outlander to be quite surprising. Initially, he was aware of Outlander but hadn’t watched much of it. Upon getting the role, he decided to thoroughly explore the series universe and discovered its vastness and how popular it is.

He continued, expressing that “The show is deeply cherished. Moreover, many of us are portraying characters that fans are utterly captivated by. Consequently, there was a sense of both wanting to do justice and also having ‘Outlander’ as a reference point, serving as an actor, to confirm, ‘I know where this character will eventually arrive, I know the destination.’

In this fresh offshoot, the storyline shifts to explore the backstories of Jamie (played by Sam Heughan) and Claire (Balfe), with Hermione Corfield, Jeremy Irvine, Harriet Slater, and Jamie Roy taking the lead roles in the ensemble cast.

In the United Kingdom, new episodes of Outlander: Blood of My Blood air weekly on Saturdays on MGM+. Meanwhile, in the U.S., you can catch these episodes every Friday on Starz. If you’re a fan and want to delve deeper into the series, consider purchasing Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books on Amazon.

Don’t forget to include ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’ in your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch application. This app offers daily TV recommendations, features, and more. You can download it now.

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2025-08-12 18:03