Caitríona Balfe & Sam Heughan Recall Their Favorite Outlander Memories, First Impressions & Why They Both Can’t Wait for Balfe to Direct

It’s hard to believe that Outlander co-stars Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan have been working together for almost 10 years on their hit series. When they first started, they were both fairly inexperienced when it came to television. Today, it’s hard to imagine them as anything but the two people who have captivated audiences on screen by bringing one of the greatest love stories to life. Taking Jamie and Claire Fraser from the pages of Diana Gabaldon’s nine book series to screen has been a long, fulfilling, challenging and great ride for the two. Balfe and Heughan sat down exclusively with us to chat all about season 7 of Outlander. They also reacted to some early memories from season 1 of Outlander, and recalled their first impressions of each other. With Balfe set to direct in season 8, Heughan told us exactly why he thinks she’ll be such a good director. Watch the exclusive video to hear why Balfe and Heughan are so thankful to each other for being partners in crime and time (traveling) for close to a decade.

We decided to take a walk down memory lane with Balfe and Heughan by showing them some photos from the beginning of their time on Outlander to see what they might be able to remember from all those years ago. The first photo was Balfe’s first shot on screen as young war nurse, Claire, covered in blood with a bottle of champagne, celebrating the end of World War II. So Claire of her. That girl loves falling into wars. Little did Balfe and Heughan know that would be the first of many wars for their on-screen counterparts. So what did the photo make them think of? Heughan quickly replied, “Oh, she’s still drinking.” And Balfe added, “That’s called day one (pointing to herself), day off (pointing to Heughan).” Only Balfe was in that first scene, but Heughan reveals he was there on set that day.

As for their first impressions of each other on film, Balfe quickly exclaims, “I know exactly what his first impression of me was – because he was like, ‘Wow, you look a lot… older on-screen.’” Laughing, Heughan said, “Did I say that?!” Balfe said she even remembers exactly where they were when this happened. She’s been waiting for this moment it seems. Heughan explained, “I was probably trying to pay you a compliment, and it came out wrong!” Remembering her reaction, “Really? Oh, thank you,” Balfe deadpanned. Heughan added, “I was like you’re very beautiful in real life, but on screen you look really old,” he joked. Balfe confessed, “Everything with Sam in that beginning, first of all we had such an ease with each other, you’re just so magnetic on screen… not in person,” adding with a sly revenge smile.

The next photo was of the two of them, covered with a tartan, on laughing on a horse, and they both exclaimed, “Oh Sleepy!” whose been their horse since the beginning. Heughan said Balfe was “freezing,” wearing only a thin white dress for the first two episodes. Balfe added, “You were probably saying lots of rude things in my ear, making me laugh.” Heughan concurred, then Balfe revealed the laughter may have been because someone was filled with hot air. No not Heughan, the horse. Seems like Sleepy had some natural gastro intestinal workings happening.

At ATX Festival, Balfe revealed she will be directing Outlander for the first time in season 8. Asked what will make her a good director, Heughan jokes that she’s “quite bossy, very loud voice, strict,” then quickly turns serious. “Firstly, she’s a really great human being, very calm, a great actress,” at which point, Balfe’s expression questions the word “calm,” but Heughan continues with the accolades, “we all love her, the crew want do their best for her, I think she’s going to do an outstanding job. She just doesn’t realize that she’s probably going to have to direct the whole season once they realize she’s that good.”

The affection and respect between the two is clearly evident. Balfe adds she’s looking forward to directing Heughan, but when it’s Heughan’s turn to hear compliments about himself, he shakes his head, and says, “You’ll get nothing!” “That’s not true,” Balfe replies then continues, “You know, I’ve had the honor and privilege of acting next to him and with him for almost 10 years now, and I know how amazing Sam is…” As an embarrassed Heughan nods no, Balfe adds, “My job is just going to be trying to help and be a good support, and find interesting ways to explore new things with these characters.” Heughan, hiding a smile, says, “No, I’m sorry, not going to happen. It’s going to be the day that I kick off!”

As for whether Heughan thinks Balfe, the notorious set “corpser,” who often laughs in scenes, will laugh when she’s directing, you’ll have to watch to find out what he thinks. Just watch any of the Outlander blooper reels for proof. Heughan and Balfe ended by revealing a few things about just how well they know each other, from what they both do to make each other laugh on set, to what Balfe does when she’s had no coffee, to what Heughan does when he forgets a line, but most importantly to why they are thankful to each other for being partners on this Outlander journey. After watching their responses, if you don’t think, “Awww,” sorry you are missing a heart.

Balfe and Heughan return to the screen when Outlander comes back for season 7 on Starz June 16^th. Watch the exclusive video to find out which Jamie and Claire scene they loved filming, but also you might catch Balfe with her head down because they were laughing so much. And be sure to check out what Balfe and Heughan told us the night of the premiere of Outlander season 7 in New York City at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Before you go, check out the all-time best ‘Outlander’ episodes you need to watch.