One of Outlander’s most surprising moments sparked a wave of emotions among viewers — and Mark Lewis Jones has now opened up about the powerful response from fans.
The Welsh actor, who played Tom Christie in seasons six and seven, revealed how audiences connected with his character’s transformation. Speaking to Reach Screen Time, the 61-year-old star said:
“I got a great response. They really took to the Christies as it were.
Tom Christie was a brilliant part to play because he started off here and ended up here, he had that massive shift and professing his love [to Claire Fraser].”
From stern believer to heartbreaking confession
Jones admitted he relished playing Tom because of the character’s dramatic journey.
“He starts off being the most awkward, stiff, stoical kind of character, who doesn’t have any room for frivolity and massively strict religious stuff. Then, breaking down and confessing his love. So again, it was a gift really.”
The kiss with Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe) became one of the most talked-about moments among fans. Jones recalled how conventions gave him the chance to reflect on it directly with viewers:
“It was great to talk about that, the kiss, about confessing his love. They’d all kind of warmed to Tom by this point.”
Tragedy and redemption
Tom’s story was shaped by heartbreak — from his wife’s betrayal and his imprisonment after Culloden to the devastating murders of his children Malva (Jessica Reynolds) and Allan (Alexander Vlahos). His journey ended with a false confession to Malva’s killing, done to protect Claire.
“Ultimately gives his life,” Jones explained, describing the act as the heart of Tom’s redemption and the reason fans grew to admire him.
On set with Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe
Beyond the storyline, Jones spoke warmly about his time on set, praising the show’s leads.
He called Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe the “captains of the ship,” adding:
“Such lovely people… it just made it a really lovely experience.”
Jones already had a history with Heughan, having run marathons with him before joining Outlander.
“So Sam and I had done a couple [of marathons] together. We’d first met through that and so when I turned up [on Outlander], I had someone I already knew,” he said.
What’s next for Mark Lewis Jones
While his time as Tom Christie may have ended, the actor has a busy slate ahead. His new thriller Y Golau: Dŵr (The Light in the Hall: Still Waters) is streaming now on BBC iPlayer, and he will return in season two of Welsh drama Dal Y Mellt.
According to IMDb, Jones is also set to appear in Henry House and Uncle, continuing a career that has already taken him through Star Wars, Game of Thrones, The Crown, and Gangs of London.