five new characters are introduced to Outlander

Private Outlander tours can now reveal in Outlander season 4 five new characters are introduced to the Starz drama — Billy Boyd as Gerald Forbes, Caitlin O’Ryan as Lizzie Wemyss, Natalie Simpson as Phaedre, Tim Downie as Governor William Tryon, and Simona Brown as Gayle.

Who are these folks, you say? Here is a breakdown of the new additions and how they’ll fit into the narrative for the coming season, which is based on the fourth book in Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling Outlander series called Drums of Autumn. 

Boyd (above) will portray Gerald Forbes, a wealthy lawyer in Cross Creek who is friends with his prominent client, Jocasta Cameron (Maria Doyle Kennedy). Boyd is best known for Lord of the Rings; his other credits includeThe Flying Scotsman, Seed of Chucky, and An Urban Ghost Story.

Brown pays Gayle, Brianna’s best friend and college roommate. Her TV credits include the new C4/Netflix series Kiss Me First. She was also in Roots for A&E.

O’Ryan is Lizzie, a Scottish woman who goes on a big adventure with Brianna Fraser (Sophie Skelton), the daughter of Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe). O’Ryan is is a recent graduate from the Oxford School of Drama; this role marks her TV debut.

Simpson will take over as Phaedre, the personal maid and seamstress for Jocasta, and is considered a trusted member of the River Run household. Her TV credits include Les Miserables.

Downie portrays Governor William Tyron, who was an actual historical figure. The ambitious William is a former British officer who used his family connections to land the position of governor. Downie’s film credits include Transformers: The Last Night, War Machine, Paddington, and The King’s Speech.

Earlier this month, Starz  announced it renewed Outlander for a fifth and sixth season. The fourth season is currently filming through June in Scotland.