‘Outlander’ role a perfect fit for Irish star Balfe

The home-grown star of the time travel TV sensation which is being billed as the next Game of Thrones has told of her excitement at the arrival of Outlander on Irish screens.

Caitriona Balfe has become an overnight star in America with her leading role as the beautiful English heroine, Claire Randall, in the adaptation of the historical fantasy book series which has pulled in audiences of up to 8m across the Atlantic.

The major new period blockbuster, set to be aired on RTÉ Two tomorrow tonight, is already being billed as the feminist answer to Game of Thrones, thanks to her central role of the feisty World War One combat nurse.