Outlander's 'gorgeous' star shocks fans with new look as she teases thrilling season 7b

Outlander sensation Sophie Skelton has left fans gobsmacked with her transformation in a recent social media clip alongside co-star Richard Rankin.

The duo, famed for their roles as the beloved Brianna Fraser and Roger MacKenzie on the hit series, are usually seen embodying the show's second favourite couple.

Brianna, affectionately known as Bree, is instantly identifiable by her vibrant red curls, which have become a staple of her character through her time-travelling adventures.

But with the Outlander cast having finished shooting the eighth and final season, Skelton has ditched her character's trademark look for her natural everyday appearance.

To the astonishment of many followers, she now sports sleek brunette locks that fall to her shoulders and was seen donning a sleeveless black top, a dramatic departure from Bree's familiar aesthetic.

One fan expressed their disbelief, commenting "I didn't recognize her" and punctuating their statement with a shocked emoji.

Another admirer exclaimed: "Sophie looks absolutely gorgeous! Excited for this season!"

Meanwhile, another fan was taken aback at seeing the pair out of their usual Outlander attire, remarking: "I didnt recognize either of them. Wondering who's on my feed."

"OMG i didn't recognize the Bree," declared one user, while another shared: "Wow she looks so different."

Echoing the sentiment, another fan noted: "She looks so different without red hair."

With Outlander drawing to a close, devotees will have to adjust to Skelton sans Bree's iconic red tresses.

The official Outlander Instagram page set pulses racing with a tantalising caption for their latest clip: "Buckle up, there's an epic ride to come for these two."

Richard kicked off the video responding to a fan's anticipation: "So, you're looking forward to your favourite Roger and Brianna storyline, huh?"

Sophie then teased fans further, saying, "Well, it's about to get a bit better," while Richard assured: "We can promise you that it delivers."

"The second half of season seven is a very exciting and thrilling ride and I think you're going to be very pleased, very excited for everything that's to come."

Sophie ominously hinted: "It might not deliver Jemmy, but it will deliver a very good ride."

As the midseason finale of season seven concluded, Roger was seen travelling back in time once more with his ancestor William Buccleigh MacKenzie (Diarmaid Murtagh) in a desperate attempt to rescue his and Bree's son from the clutches of Rob Cameron (Chris Fulton), who had kidnapped the child as part of a scheme to locate hidden treasure.

Sophie's foreboding words could spell a heart-wrenching twist for the MacKenzies. Eager fans are left on the edge of their seats, awaiting next month's episodes to uncover the fate of their beloved characters.

Outlander season seven part two premieres on Friday, November 22, on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK and on Starz in the US.