Carla Woodcock On Joining Outlander For Its 8th & Final Season
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3 hours ago
'I was doing everything for the first time while everyone else was doing it for their last'
Every story must eventually draw to a close – and such is the case with Outlander, which returns for its eighth and final season tonight. But just because it’s ending, doesn’t mean there isn’t time to squeeze in some fresh faces. Enter Carla Woodcock, who joins the cast as Amaranthus Grey for the series’ last hurrah. We sat down with the Tell Me Everything star to get the inside scoop on Outlander season 8.
‘A lot of mystery surrounds Amaranthus Grey.’
Photographer: Jemima Marriott
Stylist: Rosie Arkell-Palmer (Dress, Tory Burch; Shoes, Ettore)
Make-Up: Gina Blondell
Hair: Narad Kutowaroo
Q&A: Carla Woodcock On Outlander
Hi Carla, how’s life going at the moment?
It’s going pretty well thank you! I’m definitely ready for some longer, warmer days now though. I started the year with some home improvements. I moved into my flat not too long ago and, after getting the big stuff sorted, I’m currently on a mission to make it feel cosier.
Outlander is back for its eighth and final season. What do we have in store this time?
The eighth series is primarily based on the events that happen in the ninth book by Diana Gabaldon, Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone. We are going to meet some new characters coming in to stir up some drama (cough, cough, me!), and of course as the show is coming to a close we’re going to finally see how everyone’s stories end. I really don’t wanna say anything more as I’m terrified of giving any spoilers!
You play Amaranthus Grey – what can you tell us about her?
Amaranthus has married into the Grey family through William’s cousin who passed away fighting in the American Revolution, leaving her alone with their son, so Lord John Grey has kindly taken her in.
There’s a lot of mystery that surrounds her, as the Grey family know very little about her at first. But Amaranthus does not come from a privileged background herself, so is determined to give her son the best possible life, whatever it may take.
Carla Woodcock as Amaranthus Grey & David Berry as Lord John Grey in Outlander season 8.
Outlander is massive – how did it feel when you got the part?
I’d taped for the role a few months prior and hadn’t heard anything so I assumed I hadn’t got it, so when my agent told me I booked it I was very surprised – but obviously really excited, too! It was nice, actually, to not have any idea what was going on behind the scenes because sometimes when you know you’re in the mix for something, you’re anxiously waiting for the phone to call. This time I just got all the fun bit of booking a job without any of that stress.
Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?
I like making playlists for a character to listen to when I’m getting ready in the morning before a day of shooting. Amaranthus had a lot of Stevie Nicks in her playlist!
I caught up on the most recent series which was coming out as we were filming. I also bought Tell the Bees to read and tried to read as much of the material as I could with Amaranthus in. Luckily there’s obviously already such a big fan base, so there was quite a bit of infomation about her online – admittedly I did fall down a Reddit hole one night… But ultimately I wanted to make her my own, so I tried not to get too tied to anything and let my instincts guide me.
What was it like joining the cast for this final season, with everyone else saying goodbye to the series?
It was a funny one for sure – I was doing everything for the first time while everyone else was doing it for their last. It felt really special though, I feel really lucky to have been a part of it. Everyone welcomed me in with open arms and I was just happy to go along for the ride!
Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?
Charles and I film a lot of scenes in a garden on the grounds of the Grey house, which was so beautiful. Those were my favourite scenes to shoot. Seeing my costumes for the first time was also really special. Our costume designer Nadine Powell and her team are unbelievably talented – they designed the most beautiful dresses for me to wear. Costume is such a huge part of it for me, especially with a period drama. It really helps you understand the era you’re stepping into.
Who was your favourite person to work with on Outlander?
I have to shout out Charles Vandervaart – most of my scenes are with him and he’s genuinely so lovely and fun to film with. He’s like a big golden retriever, which is funny because his character in the show the opposite of that!
Who brings the best vibe to set?
Probably Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe – they’re absolute pros and you can tell how much they care for the show and the people on it. They made a real effort for everyone to feel included, cast and crew.
Becca (CARLA WOODCOCK) & Pip Fitz-Amobi (EMMA MYERS) in A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder. (BBC/Moonage Pictures/Simon Ridgway)
You’ve also got series 2 of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder coming up. Anything you can tease about that?
Yes, I do! I’m really excited for that to come out. Series 2 is based on the follow-on book Good Girl, Bad Blood. You see my character, Becca, trying to find closure after the traumatic events that took place in the first series.
How did it feel to all reunite on set?
So fun! It was like no time had passed, to be honest.
What has been your favourite project to date?
Sorry to give you a pageant answer, but I think every job I’ve done has been a favourite for different reasons. Some were really fun to be a part of, others have allowed me to meet some of my favourite people and they’ve all taught me something I then take on to the next job.
Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)
I have a couple bits coming out this year (I think!), but I don’t think I’m allowed to say anything yet so will have to keep my lips sealed for now.
Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?
I’d have to say my bestie Lauryn Ajufo who I met on Tell Me Everything. We actually didn’t have a tonne of scenes together on the show but since filming we have got so close. I would absolutely love to work with her on something again.
Which co-star did you learn the most from?
Probably Celine Buckens back in the Free Rein days. She played my on screen best friend and I looked up to her so much. It was my first ever job; I was so new to everything and I feel like she took me under her wing and taught me a lot about the industry.
What’s your dream role?
Someone like Shiv Roy in Succession or Sandra in Anatomy of a Fall. I think that’s partly because I’m so inspired by the actors that played them, Sarah Snook and Sandra Hüller. I love playing women who are complex and smart and maybe a little bit morally ambiguous. Honestly though, I think I’m more drawn to good writing versus a specific type of role.
‘Every job I’ve done has been a favourite for different reasons.’
Photographer: Jemima Marriott
Stylist: Rosie Arkell-Palmer (Dress, Tory Burch; Shoes, Ettore)
Make-Up: Gina Blondell
Hair: Narad Kutowaroo
What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?
I’ve done a bit of comedy recently which I love, but would love to get my teeth stuck into something darker and more dramatic. Or maybe a tragicomedy and we can marry those two worlds together?
Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?
Impossible to pick just one – the list is forever growing! I saw Hamnet recently and was not only blown away by the performances (Jessie Buckley has been a fave since I watched her on I’d Do Anything in 2008!) but also the by direction from Chloé Zhao. I love her direction style – her films feel so real and she really allows the performances to breathe.
Do you get to spend much time at home? What do you like to do there?
If you asked my friends they’d probably say I spend too much time at home! I hate going out in winter so I’m definitely in hibernation mode right now. I’ve just started learning to crochet so I’ve been trying to master that. I watch films, hang out with my boyfriend and play lots of Sims (3 specifically!).
What’s your interior design style?
I’d definitely say my style is quite eclectic so it’s hard to define! I love my space to feel curated and collected rather than matchy-matchy. Overall, I love mid century pieces with pops of fun colours, textures and lots of personality.
How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?
I think that’s something I’m still trying to figure out. I love my job so much and acting feels so personal, so the lines between work life and my own life can sometimes feel a bit blurred. I’ve learned, however, I’m a much more interesting actor when my life outside of it is much richer. To switch off, I do things that allow me to be fully present in the moment – going to spend time with friends, exercising is a big one, and getting out of London to the countryside brings me a lot of peace. I’m not a city girl at heart!
How can we all live a little bit better?
I feel like there’s a trend at the moment where people are reverting back to doing things they loved as a kid and I’m so here for it. I think honouring our little inner child inside of us keeps us playful and makes life more fun.
Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?
I’m currently looking at flights to Japan! It’s been on my bucket list forever and I’ve always put it off, but honestly life is too short so I just need to get it booked and commit to going.
‘I’m a much more interesting actor when my life outside of it is much richer.’
Photographer: Jemima Marriott
Stylist: Rosie Arkell-Palmer (Dress, Tory Burch; Shoes, Ettore)
Make-Up: Gina Blondell
Hair: Narad Kutowaroo
What Carla Woodcock Is Loving Right Now
I’m currently watching… I’ve been rewatching a lot of The Office (US version); it’s pure comfort for me.
What I’m reading… Eurotrash by Christian Kracht. I just finished: I haven’t read anything like that before – very funny but very bleak.
The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Sentimental Value (2025). I’m a huge fan of Joachim Trier.
What I’m most looking forward to seeing… I’m desperate to tick If I Had Legs I’d Kick You off my list. I love this time of year – so many amazing films coming out.
Favourite film of all time… Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). Every year at the first sign of autumn I simply must watch!
Favourite song of all time… ‘Both Sides Now’ by Joni Mitchell (from her Clouds album).
Band/singer I always have on repeat… boygenius, Fleetwood Mac or Billy Joel.
My ultimate cultural recommendation… I read The Beauty of Everyday Things by Yanagu Sōetsu a couple of years ago and I think that’s where my interest in Japanese culture began. I think the Mingei movement is really inspiring.
Cultural guilty pleasure… I love nothing more than sitting on the sofa watching reality TV. My current favourite is The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives but honestly I don’t feel guilty about it – sorry!
Outlander season 8 commences Friday 6 March in the US, before landing on in the UK on Saturday 7 March on MGM+ via Prime Video.
