Outlander star Steven Cree says it's a privilege to be invited back for another season of the hit Starz show.
Steven, 43, is best known for his role as Ian Murray on the historical fantasy show based on Diana Gabaldon's best-selling novels. The Kilmarnock-born actor appeared regularly throughout series one to four and is set to make a grand return as Old Ian Murray for the seventh season set to air later this year.
The actor is currently starring as Consul General Sam Henderson in six-part drama The Diplomat, alongside Sophie Rundle. Steven revealed he was asked to return as Ian in Outlander during the fifth instalment of the show, but had to back out due to scheduling conflicts.
He told The Herald: “It was a privilege to be invited back, I was meant to go back in season five but couldn’t because I was doing A Discovery of Witches. I had always made it clear that if they wanted me to come back to tie up anything with Ian Murray’s storyline, I would be happy to.
“It was great that the schedules worked out perfectly last year. To be honest, it was like going back and hanging out with friends, getting to film with Sam again. And a lot of the crew are the same too.”
When asked about the effect Outlander has had on his life, the star revealed that while the show hasn't transformed his career, it has helped him accomplish other things.
He told the publication: “My part in Outlander has not changed my career in that sense, but through being part of this fandom I have gone to conventions in different countries and met people from every continent in the world, apart from Antarctica. That shows how far and wide the fandom spreads.
“I am involved in a charity called Cash For Kids. They [the Outlander fans] have helped raise a lot of money through contributing to that. Any charitable venture I have been involved in, they get behind the cause instantly which is incredible and a real privilege – I never take it for granted."
He continued: “That is why, when I was asked to go back for season five and wasn’t able to because it clashed, I was disappointed. I love going back but I also know how much it means to the fans. I don’t mean that in any saccharine way. But I have met some incredible people.
“It has been life-enriching. That is how Outlander has changed my life more than anything – it has enriched my life. I have met people I never would have before from so many different walks of life.”
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