Watch Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe’s incredible audition

Outlander’s leading stars shared intense chemistry from the get go, by the looks of Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe’s audition for the period drama.

It’s one of TV’s greatest epic love stories.

The intense chemistry between Outlander’s leading actors Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire Randall) oozes through the screen, and is the core reason why the historical drama is so thrilling to watch.

Outlander, which has just begun streaming the new season exclusively on Foxtel Now, first aired in 2014 and is now in its fifth season, which Heughan confirmed has more “love scenes” than ever.

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Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe have electrifying chemistry in Outlander.

“There are definitely more love scenes in this season and they are … lovely,” he told the Scottish Sun.

“The show is a global success and that is down to the fact it’s a love story.

“I think that in one way or another, we are all looking for a relationship that is supportive and no matter where that person goes, you’re always there with them. Outlander is a great love story.”

And that chemistry between Heughan and his co-star, Balfe, was apparent in their first ever screen test together.

While Heughan had already secured the part of Jamie, producers were on the hunt for the perfect actress to play Claire, which was proving difficult.

Just three weeks before the show began filming, Heughan and Balfe did their first screen test together and – Oh. My. Word. Fireworks galore. See for yourself in the video above.

Swoon. Picture: Supplied

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Showrunner Ron Moore revealed in a DVD extra the electrifying screen test “sealed the deal” for Balfe.

“This was a very important step before casting Caitriona as we had already cast Sam and this was months later so we were looking for a chemistry between the two characters.

“We really felt that Cat was probably going to be the one but this was the final moment where she literally sealed the deal and got the show.

“And you see, they’ve already got the shorthand of their characters and there is definitely onscreen camera chemistry between the two.”

As if that wasn’t enough, Moore said the pair shared a special bond off screen too in their first audition together.

“After the scene is over, we kind of kept the camera tape running a little bit,” he said.

“We just wanted to see them a little bit more relaxed and interacting.

“You can kind of see they’re awkwardly aware the camera is still running but nonetheless, there is enough spontaneity and sort of genuine affection and good humour between the two of them, that spoke volumes about their potential relationship.”

Outlander Season 5, new episodes air on Foxtel’s Fox One every Monday at 7.30pm, and will be available to stream on demand afterwards