Outlander fans have 'secret crush' on major character - and they prefer him to Jamie

Outlander season 7 part 2 trailer on STARZ

Outlander enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the show's Autumn comeback, with the countdown now well and truly on as the release date is merely a month away. Excitement builds for the second half of season 7, set to premiere on Starz in November; meanwhile, the series has also completed filming of its epic eighth and final season.

Sam Heughan's depiction of Jamie Fraser has captured hearts globally, establishing him as the undisputed heartthrob of the series, partly due to his mesmerising love story with Claire Fraser, portrayed by Caitriona Balfe, elevated by the duo's remarkable chemistry.

Based on Diana Gabaldon's acclaimed series of fantasy romance novels, Outlander charts Claire's time-travelling adventures back to the days of the Jacobite Rising.

While Claire and Jamie take centre stage in this historical saga, Tobias Menzies plays a dual role: portraying both Claire's first husband Frank Randall, left behind in her original timeline, and his ancestor, the notoriously brutal 'Black Jack' Randall.

Despite the difficulty of fostering any affection for the menacing Black Jack, certain fans confess to harbouring a "secret crush" on the "stoic and passionate" Frank.

Sam Heughan plays Jamie Fraser (Image: STARZ)

A curious admission surfaced on Reddit from a user going by @Esdoornhelikoptertje, who posed the question: "Anyone secretly have more of a crush on Frank than Jamie?"

Adding fuel to the fiery debate, they elaborated: "Ok so this series just made me in love with everyone including Claire lol even though I'm a woman. Everyone is so good.

"But I didn't find Frank very attractive and now suddenly he is on my mind all the time lol like Frank please I am in a relationship! Anyone else dreaming more of Frank than Jamie?

"Jamie is very handsome of course but for the ladies who like suits and ties? Like Frank is kind, a bit stoic, intelligent, reliable, conservative, passionate, and will not let his fire die because his partner is seemingly in dreamland. He goes on with real life and is a good father and husband." (sic)

In the show's fanbase exchange, Outlander aficionados considered whether Frank could rival Jamie as the series' alternative heartthrob.

Tobias Menzies plays Frank Randall (Image: STARZ)

"Frank as played by Tobias Menzies? Yes. Book Frank? No," a viewer confessed, and another shared the sentiment, stating: "I have a thing for Tobias Menzies and it colours my view of TV Frank very much." (sic)

Concurring reflections were shared regarding the literary portrayal of Frank, as a devotee remarked: "Having read the books before seeing the series, there is no way." (sic)

Expressing admiration for screen Frank, one fan commented: "Book Frank, no, but I do admit that I loved him in the show. He was smart, witty, and very well dressed. I love vintage 1940s style and loved how he looked but also found him very sweet. Book Frank was a different guy, though." (sic)

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Celebrating Menzies' performance, another fan highlighted: "Yeah....I've been watching Outlander because I was looking for more Tobias Menzies, having liked him a lot in The Terror. So I get it." (sic)

Some fans hailed Frank's character, with one admirer noting: "100%!! Frank is steadfast!! He also loves Claire so much that he treated her daughter like his own. Claire didn't treat him well." (sic)

Meanwhile, reactions to the unexpected crush varied, as some expressed confusion, remarking: "I mean definitely no but you do you boo!" (sic)

Others didn't shy away from criticism, with comments such as: "Nope. I don't find lying, cheating, passive-aggressive, condescending men the least bit attractive."

Another wrote: "Actually no but that's so brave of you lol." (sic)

In contrast, one fan remained polite but dismissive: "Sorry but that's going to be a no for me." (sic)

Additionally, the conversation sparked debate over other potential heartthrobs from the series, including Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser (Duncan Lacroix) and Jenny Fraser Murray (Laura Donnelly).

Following the closure of Lionsgate+ in the UK, new episodes of Outlander will be available on Starz and to stream on Prime Video channel MGM+ from Sunday, November 22. You must be an Amazon Prime member before you can sign up for MGM+.

Outlander fans have 'secret crush' on major character - and they prefer him to Jamie

Outlander fans have 'secret crush' on major character - and they prefer him to Jamie

Outlander fans have 'secret crush' on major character - and they prefer him to Jamie

Outlander fans have 'secret crush' on major character - and they prefer him to Jamie

Outlander fans have 'secret crush' on major character - and they prefer him to Jamie