“Outlander” became one of Starz’s most-followed shows and part of it is attributed to the great on-screen chemistry it's lead actors, Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, have. But their convincing romance scenes have also sparked relentless dating rumors over the years.
The hit fantasy drama TV series “Outlander,” based on Diana Gabaldon’s same title novel saga, will hit the fifth year mark since it first went on air. It is safe to say that since the steamy sex scenes were released on TV and streaming platforms, many of the show’s fans have been “shipping” Balfe and Heughan.
Are Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe a real-life couple?
Given their compelling acting for a well-written love story, it is not difficult to understand why old and new fans would think that romance also happens off-screen. However, both Balfe and Heughan have since denied dating rumors.
In 2016, the TV stars addressed the dating rumors to tell fans that there is no reason to believe such speculations. Balfe told Entertainment Weekly, “Honestly I’m tired of that conversation.” She then insisted that their work on “Outlander” is “fantasy” and added that what the viewers see on their screens is just part of their job. She then added how much of great guy Heughan is, but said they are only best friends.
Heughan joked in the same interview that he is just waiting for the actress to have “too much whiskey” and then maybe they can make it happen. But on a serious note, the actor said being the subject of dating rumors was “strange” while echoing Balfe’s statement that they are very good friends.
Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe’s relationships
Aside from Heughan and Balfe directly denying the dating rumors, it is important to note that the model-turned-actress is currently engaged. The actress, who plays Claire Fraser in “Outlander,” confirmed she got engaged in 2018 to long-time boyfriend, Tony McGill.
Heughan, on the other hand, was spotted on many occasions going out with actress MacKenzie Mauzy from 2017 to early 2018. But by the second half of last year, Balfe’s co-star was rumored seeing a new woman who is “Twin Peaks” actress Amy Shiels.
Heughan and Balfe have been filming for “Outlander” season 5. Unfortunately, the show will return in 2020 making 2019 the first year without a new installment since the series premiered on Aug. 9, 2014.
