The chemistry between Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan has been at the center of Outlander since the Starz drama premiered in 2014.

As Claire Fraser and Jamie Fraser, the pair have carried the series through eight seasons, becoming one of its most recognizable on-screen partnerships. Away from the cameras, Balfe and Heughan have also developed a close friendship after years of working together.

However, Balfe recently recalled that their first impressions were not quite as smooth as fans might expect.

Sam Heughan’s Unforgettable First Comment

During an appearance on the She Knows podcast, Balfe was asked about her first impressions of Heughan and what he thought of her when they first began working together.

The actress immediately remembered one particular moment from the early days of Outlander.

According to Balfe, Heughan had seen her on film and then made a comment about how different she looked on screen compared with real life.

“I know exactly what his first impression of me was on film, because he came and was like, wow you look like older on screen,” Balfe recalled.

The comment appeared to catch Heughan off guard when Balfe brought it up years later.

“Did I say that?” he asked.

Balfe, however, was certain. She even remembered where the conversation had taken place.

“Yeah I remember exactly where we were, we were in the field behind Castleton,” she said.

Heughan Tried To Explain The Remark

Heughan quickly attempted to explain what he had meant when he made the original comment.

“I was probably trying to pay a compliment and it came out -” he began, before Balfe interrupted him with a sarcastic response.

“No, really, really,” she replied.

Heughan then joked about what he had actually been trying to say, making the situation even more awkward.

“It was like you’re very beautiful in real life but on screen you look really old,” he said.

Although the exchange sounded harsh when taken out of context, Balfe and Heughan discussed it in a playful way, reflecting the easy friendship they developed after years of filming together.

The actress has previously spoken warmly about the experience of working with Heughan, and her comments on the podcast quickly moved from the awkward first impression to the strong connection they established during the first season.

Balfe Remembers Their Early Chemistry

Despite the unusual start, Balfe said she has fond memories of those first days working alongside Heughan.

“I just remember, well, everything with Sam in that beginning,” she said.

She went on to describe how naturally they worked together, particularly when they were filming scenes as Claire and Jamie.

“First of all, we had such an ease with each other but you’re just so magnetic on screen,” Balfe said.

Their ability to establish that connection became an important part of Outlander. Claire and Jamie’s relationship is central to both the television series and Diana Gabaldon’s book series, and Balfe and Heughan’s performances helped define the show’s early seasons.

Heughan responded to Balfe’s praise with another joke, teasing her about whether she was trying to make him behave.

“What do you want? Are you trying to butter me up so I behave?” he asked.

The exchange offered another glimpse into the playful relationship the two actors have maintained after more than a decade of working together.

What began with an awkward comment about Balfe’s appearance on screen ultimately became part of a much longer working relationship. Today, the two actors are closely associated with Claire and Jamie, while their friendship behind the scenes has remained a favorite subject among Outlander fans.

Source: Compiled from various sources.