Sam Heughan is Outlander's Jamie Fraser

It's official - Scottish actor Sam Heughan has been cast in the upcoming television adaptation of Outlander. In a statement released yesterday, American cable network Starz confirmed the casting after the news was leaked via Twitter last week.

Heughan will play the role of Jamie Fraser in the drama series based on the international best-selling books by Diana Gabaldon. Adored by fans around the world, the coveted clansman role has been the subject of much speculation since production of the series was confirmed last month. There is still no word on who is set to play female lead Claire Randall.

Reacting to the news, Gabaldon said: "Oh. My. God. That man is a Scot to the bone and Jamie Fraser to the heart. Having seen Sam Heughan not just act, but be Jamie, I feel immensely grateful to the production team for their painstaking attention to the soul of the story and characters."

Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore said from the very beginning he knew the role would be difficult to cast. "I had no one in mind for the part. I knew that someone would just come into the audition and be Jamie Fraser. And that's what Sam did."

Heughan took to Twitter to express his delight at landing the role, tweeting:

He's going to be in need of the best wig ever to match Jamie's famous red locks. Filming is set to begin in Scotland in Autumn.

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You can read my previous story on the Outlander television series by clicking here.