EXCLUSIVE: Outlander’s executive producer Maril Davis opened up about the future of two big figures who have been noticeably absent from the show.
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, Outlander’s longtime executive producer Maril Davis addressed the fates of Marsali Fraser (played by Lauren Lyle) and her husband Fergus (César Domboy).
The two fan-favourites were missing from season seven with Outlander fans were left scratching their heads after they noticed they didn’t feature in the show.
But now it looks like Fergus and Marsali might not be in the eighth and final season of Outlander.
Davis said about the characters: “I agree, I love Marsali and Fergus. I don’t know if we will see them in season eight but they’re amazing characters but sadly no, we don’t see them.”
Due to both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in Hollywood, work is currently on hold on season eight of Outlander.
Until the talks are resolved between the various sides, development on Outlander’s final outing can’t re-start.
However, this delay could give scope for Marsali and Fergus to make a return of sorts as the story is rounded off.
Davis also explained why the duo were not part of season seven: “You know, Lauren was busy with a couple of other things as was Cesar so you know that was purposely in talking with those actors and where we decided to take this season, we don’t see their stories unfortunately.”
Lyle is busy fronting her ITV detective drama series Karen Pirie in which she takes the lead, while Domboy has starred in the BBC series SAS: Rogue Heroes with Jack McConnell and Bonnard, Pierre and Martha.
Interestingly, at the time of publication, IMDb has listed both stars as appearing episodes 13 to 16 of season seven, which will give hope to fans of the couple.
When Outlander fans last saw the couple, they left Fraser’s Ridge at the end of season six to make a fresh start at a print shop in New Bern after suffering so much.
Not only had Marsali struggled after the attack on Fraser’s Ridge by Lionel (Ned Dennehy) but Fergus had been left feeling unable to protect her and support his family, resorting to the bottle for comfort.
There also went on to have a baby with dwarfism with the people of Fraser’s Ridge looking down on the family.
In the novels by Diana Gabaldon, Marsali and Fergus continue to have a plot line in the story when Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe) goes to visit them in An Echo in the Bone.
Then in the eighth novel Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, the print shop is burnt down with the couple thrown into jeopardy.
They are also forced to move again and facing problems but again it’s unclear whether this will make it into the show.
Season seven, part two is going to cover the eighth novel and fans will have to wait and see if Fergus and Marsali appear in the episodes.
