Outlander season 6: release date and cast details - as Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe pictures revealed

Outlander fans have been left in a ‘droughtlander’ since the sixth season of the time travelling series was postponed last year.

However, there has now been confirmation that filming has commenced, after unseen pictures of Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) emerged.

The cast were due to film the latest season in Scotland last year, but the coronavirus pandemic resulted in delays.

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So, when can we expect Outlander season six - and what will the story be about?

What is Outlander season six about?

As the series is based on author Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, season six will follow the story of ‘A Breath of Snow and Ashes’.

Season 6 explores how disharmony among families and communities can lead to “outsiders” or “outlanders”, rejected and marginalised.

Despite delays and changes to filming, Christina Davis, President of Original Programming for Starz, has said the crew and directors have worked to produce “bold storylines”.

She said: “We are committed to telling the story fully with gripping and bold storylines in the upcoming eight-episode season that introduces viewers to new characters including Tom, Allan and Malva Christie (Mark Lewis-Jones, Alexander Vlahos and Jessica Reynolds) who create tension on the Ridge.

“We can’t wait for viewers to see the exciting sixth season that reflects the Starz #TakeTheLead initiative through unapologetic storytelling and powerful female characters.”

Who is in the cast of Outlander season six?

Heughan and Balfe will return to the screen, as pictured in newly released filming stills.

Sophie Skelton will return as Brianna Fraser, Richard Rankin will reprise his role as Roger Mackenzie Wakefield, as will John Bell as “Young Man” Murray.

Newcomers Mark Lewis-Jones (as Tom), Alexander Vlahos (as Allan) and Jessica Reynolds as Malva Christie will feature in the sixth season.

How long is season six?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic causing issues with filming and portraying the close knit inhabitants of Fraser’s Ridge.

Therefore, season six will be eight episodes long instead of the usual 12. However, to make up for the four lost hours of Outlander, season seven will be 16 episodes long.

On 1 June, Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts told Entertainment Weekly: "We are excited to get into the editing room to work on bringing the fans one step closer to reuniting with the family back on Fraser's Ridge.

"Filming in 2021 has presented an unprecedented set of challenges which led us to the decision to truncate the season in order to bring the fans the most vibrant and dynamic season as soon as possible,” he added.

"Dinna fash, we will then film an extended season 7 with 16 episodes next year as life returns to normalcy."

The premiere of the sixth season will be 90 minutes long.

When is Outlander season six released?

Outlander season six is set to be released in 2022, with filming wrapping up this week.

For viewers in the UK, Outlander is available on Amazon Prime and new season’s are released as one episode per week.

All other seasons of Outlander are currently available to watch for Amazon Prime subscribers, a subscription costs £7.99 a month with a 30-day free trial.