Caitriona Balfe has revealed that fans thought she didn’t fit the role of Claire in hit series Outlander initially.
The 36-year-old, who nabbed the role of Claire Randall in the series back in 2014, admitted that fans of Diana Gabaldon’s novels, which the show is based on, weren’t impressed with her being cast.
“I think the initial reaction to my casting was like ‘Well, she’s too tall, and she’s too skinny, she doesn’t have brown eyes and her hair’s not curly!’” she told Rolling Stone.
“The thing is, everyone has a subjective vision of what these characters are supposed to look like. When you’re casting anything, hopefully they’re looking for people who embody the character in an essence way rather than just the physical.”
Confession: Caitriona opened up | MICHAEL CHESTER
The Monaghan native, who previously modelled for Victoria’s Secret, also admitted that fans have now warmed to her in the role.
“Once the show aired, the fans have really transferred their love over from the book series to our show, which is fantastic.”
Caitriona has since been nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the hit series, which airs on US channel Starz.
Speaking about taking part in a show that isn’t short of controversial scenes, the actress admitted that one of her favourite scenes was a sex scene with co-star Sam Heughan.
Sex scenes: Caitriona and Sam were on fire
“We loved that scene! Sam and I fought to keep the belly bump in — I think there was some worry about whether or not you could see the prosthetic — because yeah, you don’t see that!
“And why don’t you see that in a sex scene? Why should that be a taboo? You see so many boobs all over the bloody TV.”
“It’s the one safe space for them in this time where they’re kind of estranged from each other, and they’ve been struggling with their intimacy — and the fact that this is what brings them together, this unit of a family that they’ve become … I think it’s a very sexy thing,” she added.
The news comes after it was revealed that Outlander has been commissioned for two more seasons.
