Outlander's Jeremy Irvine life from feeling 'degraded' on set to hitting 'rock bottom'

Jeremy Irvine is poised to appear in the eagerly awaited Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood, with enthusiasts keen to discover everything about the actor portraying Claire Fraser's father.

Outlander Blood of My Blood will explore a fresh storyline in writer Diana Gabaldon's universe, examining how Jamie (portrayed by Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser's (Caitriona Balfe) paths crossed and romance blossomed.

Star Jeremy Irvine takes on the role of Claire's father Henry Beauchamp, who lives during the Great War where he encounters his future spouse Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield).

Nevertheless, the couple become inadvertently divided when Julia travels through the magical stones and ends up in the 18th Century whilst Henry attempts everything possible to locate her.

With Blood of My Blood heading to MGM+, here's all you need to know about star Jeremy Irvine.

Rock bottom

Irvine rose to stardom in 2011 after securing the lead part of Albert Narracott in Steven Spielberg's War Horse.

The film arrived at precisely the right moment as the 35 year old had begun abandoning hope of pursuing an acting career.

He revealed to CBSNews.com: "I trained briefly as an actor, then had a year and a half of being rejected.

"Not getting a job. Just walking the streets of London to try to get an agent and stuff like that.

"And I can certainly understand how it becomes an obsession. Starts kind of taking over a bit.

"I'd kind of hit rock bottom and really did think this was stupid and I just wasted three or four years of my life.

"My dad wanted me to get a job being a welder. At the company he was at, he was an engineer. I was very very close to doing that."

Mamma Mia

During the following four years, he appeared in numerous productions including Now Is Good, Great Expectations, The Railway Man and The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death.

However, it was in 2018 that he secured the role of Sam in the musical prequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, with Irvine playing the younger iteration of Pierce Brosnan's character.

Discussing his collaboration with the former James Bond actor to Big Issue, he revealed: "Pierce was incredibly generous with his time. He really made me feel welcome.

"We had tea in his dressing room the first day we were in together, we hung out and there were lots of dinners in the evenings.

"It must be difficult for Pierce - because he knows that for guys of my generation he is James Bond.

"But he doesn't ignore that, he is very self-effacing, tackles it head on and makes you feel so welcome. There is a lot to be learnt from him."

Love life

The Outlander actor wed his long-term partner midwife Jodie Spencer in 2024, with reports suggesting they first began courting back in 2016.

He was also filming the forthcoming prequel around the same period that he tied the knot, sharing on Instagram a combination of snaps from their special day alongside behind-the-scenes shots.

Irvine penned: "Finally home after eight months of filming - fun - and a wedding, marrying my best friend."

Before meeting his current spouse, the actor was romantically linked with vocalist Ellie Goulding back in 2012.

She subsequently blamed the strain of maintaining a long-distance relationship for their eventual separation.

Shooting Outlander prequel

Devotees of the original Outlander series are delighted to witness the franchise's expansion with this passionate prequel centring on Jamie and Claire's parents.

Nevertheless, the filming process wasn't always the most pleasant experience, as Irvine disclosed to Y! Entertainment.

He commented: "When I'm filming scenes in the 1700s, getting dressed is an absolute faff!

"You can't dress yourself. Someone has to come in and help you.

"It feels quite degrading because you're in your underwear, first thing in the morning, being wrapped up in a kilt, like a baby being swaddled. It's a very different vibe!"

Next project

Although Blood of My Blood premieres this week, Irvine is already occupied with his next film project - a romantic comedy this time.

Titled Leopardi and Co, the official synopsis states: "A US actor lands the part of famous Italian poet Leopardi.

"To prepare, his agent hires a young Italian woman to educate him, sparking an unexpected romantic connection."

Irvine's co-star will be Italian performer Denise Tantucci, whilst supporters will be thrilled to discover he'll also appear alongside the iconic Whoopi Goldberg.

Having graced the screen in Sister Act, Ghost and The Colour Purple among others, she is set to play a character named Mildred in the romantic comedy, which is currently in post-production.

Outlander Blood of My Blood premieres on Saturday, August 9, on MGM+ in the UK.