FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUTLANDER’S NELL HUDSON

Aside from the fact that she can do a Scottish accent

BY HARPER'S BAZAAR STAFF.

Picture: Ori Jones 

If you haven’t heard of Outlander, you soon will. The hit series of books by Diana Gabaldon, which has sold over 20 million copies, has been adapted into a TV series by Starz, which will air in America from this Saturday. Headed up by Battlestar Galactica developer Ron Moore, the story revolves around Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a World War II-era woman who is swept back in time to 18th-century Scotland.

We profile rising star Nell Hudson, 23, the actress who plays Claire’s nemesis and love rival, Laoghaire Mackenzie. Here's what you need to know about the actress...

1. She’s an English rose.
Despite that surname, those golden locks and her limpid blue eyes, Nell is no relation of Kate Hudson. She grew up on a farm in the Worcestershire countryside climbing trees and swimming in rivers. This is her first major role since graduating from the Oxford School of Drama in 2012.

2. She’s multi-talented.
Nell is also a singer-songwriter who has been touring with Jools Holland and Deacon Blue this summer. She plays the ukulele and we also hear she can do a mean impression of Eric Cartman…

3. She’s not stuck-up.
Nell doesn’t mind accidentally being called ‘Neil’ and is a total Harry Potter geek.

4. She’s an avid reader.
While on set for Outlander Nell ploughed through an impressive 33 books. Her favourite writers are Barbara Comyns and F Scott Fitzgerald. She also writes fiction along with her own songs.

5. She’s a daredevil.
Nell loves a good adrenalin rush and would love to do an action movie in the future, just so she can try out various stunts. Her dream? Karate fighting loads of baddies.