Outlander season eight is nearly upon us, but life behind the scenes hasn’t always been smooth for the cast when filming wraps.

With merely a couple of months remaining before the concluding chapter of the beloved Scottish period romance Outlander unfolds, the Fraser family remains at its core.

Among those reprising their roles for the finale are Lauren Lyle and Cesar Domboy, portraying Marsali and Fergus respectively, having last appeared at the conclusion of series six.

In anticipation of season eight’s premiere, Lyle returned this week with her popular podcast She’s A Rec, inviting Outlander icon Caitriona Balfe as her guest.

Having embodied Claire Fraser for an impressive 12 years, Balfe’s professionalism and generosity off-camera was highlighted by Lyle, who then recalled a particularly tense moment on set.

Outlander’s Fergus and Marsali stars Cesar Domboy and Lauren Lyle were initially told they weren’t allowed to kiss.(Image: STARZ/MGM+)

Lyle explained: “I always found you very commanding on set, in a very respectful way.

“Everyday you would always thank everyone for being there and say goodbye and good night to everyone, every time without fail.

“And you’d only flip out on something that meant something, never flip out over dumb s***.

“It would always be in support of someone, I remember you flipping out over something for me and Cesar [Domboy].

“We weren’t allowed to kiss and Caitriona [Balfe] and Sam [Heughan] do a lot of kissing on the show and me and Cesar, who plays Fergus, were told we weren’t allowed to kiss.”

Balfe further clarified: “What I think what you was told, people didn’t do that in that time in public and we were like ‘pretty sure we’ve done that and more.'”

Outlander stars Caitriona Balfe and Lauren Lyle in 2020.(Image: GETTY)

Lyle then responded: “Cesar definitely kicked off as well and then eventually I think it was like ‘Fair enough. On you go.'”

In the sixth season, Marsali and Fergus departed Fraser’s Ridge to embark on a new chapter in a different town where he would assume control of a print shop.

The TV drama is now diverging from Diana Gabaldon’s book series, in which the couple does not make a return.

However, what could be the motive behind Marsali and Fergus’ surprising comeback and how will their reappearance influence the forthcoming episodes?