Outlander fans confuse fiction and fact

Since Outlander first aired in 2014, viewers have been captivated by the on-screen chemistry between Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, who play Claire and Jamie, a couple whose passion survives their travels through time. So carried away are viewers, that some insist that the actors themselves must be lovers.

While Caitriona and Sam are delighted that their performance is so convincing, they've taken pains (1) to deny rumours of romance.

Back in 2016 Sam described them as simply "incredibly great friends", adding: "We’re not together, sorry to break people’s hearts."

Then in 2018, his leading lady (2) very publicly confirmed her engagement to someone else. At the Golden Globes awards ceremony, she showed off the dazzling (3) diamond and sapphire engagement ring given to her by musician and producer Anthony McGill. The following year, she married him.

MORE: Outlander’s charismatic couple

But even that wasn't proof enough of where her heart lay!

According to Caitriona, someone called to "harass (4) the secretary of the church where the wedding took place" as they didn't believe her nuptials (5) really happened.

None of that spoiled her big day, which she "squeezed in" during a short break in her busy filming schedule. "It was beautiful and I had all my close friends and family there. Once you are in a room full of people that you love and who love you, it’s just so special and fun," she has said.

1. To take pains = To make deliberate efforts
2. Leading lady = Foremost actress
3. Dazzling = Shining brightly
4. To harass = To pressure someone aggressively
5. Nuptials = Wedding celebrations