OUTLANDER star Sam Heughan has spoke of being “delighted” following the announcement that the long-running actors’ strike was over.
The 43-year-old had been just one of thousands of actors taking part in the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes, which ended yesterday.
After 118 days, the SAG-AFTRA agreed a tentative deal with the the Alliance of Motion Picture and TV Producers (AMPTP), meaning that the eighth and final season of Outlander can resume filming.
Heughan, who plays main character Jamie Fraser on the popular show, took to social media yesterday to share his excitement at being back alongside co-star Caitriona Balfe.
The post included an image of Heughan, from Balmaclellan, Dumfries and Galloway, smiling alongside Balfe, who plays Heughan’s on-screen love interest Claire Fraser.
Heughan wrote: “The strike is over. Delighted to be able to work, promote and talk about acting again.”
The post received over 290,000 likes and more than 3,000 comments from fans left ecstatic at the revelation.
One person wrote: “We are so happy that our beloved Outlander show can go on. We Sassenachs can’t wait for all the adventures of Jamie and Claire and the family are coming.”
Another said: “Let’s get this show on the road. Thank you for posting this beautiful photo of you and Claire/Cait.”
A third commented: “This is such great news. I am so happy for you all. We have tried to support you as much as we can. But I’m glad to have you all back again.”
Another added: “Amazing news. We missed all your posts relating to acting. I wished the strike was over before Nov 6, so you could talk about your current and future projects at the Clanland events.”
A fifth wrote: “I love Outlander, the entire cast crew and everyone involved. So happy and looking forward to what is to come. Looking forward to your new projects, Sam.”
Outlander is a romance drama based on fictional character Claire Fraser who is celebrating her second honeymoon when she is inadvertently whisked back into 17th century Scotland.
There, she meets Highlander Jamie Fraser with whom she falls in love with, later having to decide which man she truly wants to be with.
The show has been renewed for its eighth and final season but was postponed during the actors’ strike.