Outlander star Maria Doyle Kennedy has opened up about the viewer response to Murtagh and Jocasta's budding romance.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other press, Kennedy, who plays Jocasta on the STARZ series, admitted that she was unsure if fans would accept it, as the two characters don't have a romantic relationship in the book.
"I was wondering if the fans would accept it, because they were just getting to know Jocasta and they adore Murtagh so much, but actually people did," she said.
What to Read Next
Related: Outlander's Lauren Lyle reveals one scene she's glad they didn't film for the series
The actress suggested that fans were accepting of the storyline because it meant that Murtagh gets to stay alive. Those who have read the books will know that Murtagh dies in the Battle of Culloden, which was depicted in season three of the TV show.
At the end of season four, Murtagh was in hiding from the Governor's soldiers for being a Regulator. Fans will no doubt be keen to see, then, if he can survive the ordeal and continue his relationship with Jocasta.
"I think the sparks are there, certainly. She's devastated. He has to leave at the end and go into hiding at the end of season four. She knows what a rebel he is, he's always in trouble," said Kennedy.
"So she definitely feels hugely for him and this love they've ignited, and she fears for him."
However, the actress went on to tease that Jocasta will have other relationships in season five (although she couldn't say who with), so will that get in the way of a potential reunion with Murtagh?
Outlander season 5 premieres today (February 16) on Starz in the US. The show streams on Amazon Prime in the UK.
Outlander - Season 1
Outlander - Season 2
Outlander - Season 3
Outlander - Season 4
Outlander (2014) - Seasons 1-4 DVD
Go Tell the Bees that I Am Gone (Outlander 9) by Diana Galbaldon - Signed
The Making of Outlander: The Series: The Official Guide to Seasons One & Two
The Making of Outlander: The Series: The Official Guide to Seasons Three and Four
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Freelance film & TV writer, Digital Spy
Critic and writer Jo Berry has been writing about TV and movies since she began her career at Time Out aged 18. A regular on BBC Radio, Jo has written for titles including Empire, Maxim, Radio Times, OK!, The Guardian and Grazia, is the author of books including Chick Flicks and The Parents’ Guide to Kids’ Movies.
She is also the editor of website Movies4Kids. In her career, Jo has interviewed well-known names including Beyonce, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Cruise and all the Avengers, spent many an hour crushed in the press areas of award show red carpets. Jo is also a self-proclaimed expert on Outlander and Brassic, and completely agrees that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
