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Outlander's Lauren Lyle returns as Karen Pirie for series two of ITV drama
Outlander star Lauren Lyle returns to her role as Karen Pirie in the hit ITV drama for season two - here's an insight into her life off screen.
Lauren Lyle first won over audiences as Marsali MacKimmie Fraser in the popular time-travel drama Outlander. Since then, her career has continued to grow from strength to strength. Most recently, she secured a leading role in ITV's crime drama Karen Pirie, with the second season premiering tonight.
It was one of the surprise TV hits of 2022, and now Karen Pirie is making its comeback on Sunday evening. Outlander star Lauren returns as the lead detective, once again diving into decades-old cold cases in the highly anticipated second season.
Based on Val McDermid's novels, Karen Pirie won over viewers with its gripping storytelling and unique take on the detective genre. Lauren's portrayal of the lead character was widely praised, earning her two BAFTA Scotland awards.
Unlike many typical detectives on TV, Pirie is portrayed as approachable, witty and fun-loving with a touch of sarcasm. Lauren has admitted that carrying the weight of leading her own show was "overwhelming" at times, but she's keen to see how audiences respond to the new season.
Much different to the character she portrays on-screen, off-screen Lauren likes to keep a low profile. Only occasionally keeping her fans up to date on her life via her Instagram account - which has over 225,000 followers - showing behind the scenes photos from her career and travels.
Let's take a closer look into the life of Lauren Lyle, as she returns to her role as Karen Pirie.
Early life
Lauren was born on July 12, 1993, in the south side of Glasgow, where her family still lives today. Though she keeps her personal life mostly under wraps, fans know that acting wasn't always the career she expected to take.
Initially involved with the Scottish Young Conservatives, Lauren made a bold decision to switch paths and pursue acting. Her early performances included an impress performance the Edinburgh Fringe for Fourth Monkey and a role in The Crucible on the London stage.
Her talent earned her a spot in the highly competitive National Youth Theatre's rep programme in 2015 - a programme that selects only around 15 actors under the age of 25 to perform a season of plays in London's West End. During this time, Lyle starred in productions such as Wuthering Heights, Consensual, and The Merchant of Venice.
Outlander
Lyle was cast as Marsali MacKimmie Fraser in Outlander, the TV series based on the best-selling books by Diana Gabaldon, back in 2017. Her character appeared in the show in the third season.
Speaking to Glasgow Times about her role, she said: "Outlander changed my life. I don't think I realised going into Outlander how big a deal it was. How big a show, how popular it is and how dedicated the fanbase are."
It has now been confirmed that Lauren will be back for the 8th and final season of Outlander, reprising her role as Marsali, alongside her on-screen husband Fergus Fraser, played by Cesar Domboy.
Dating life
As with many rising stars, Lauren's personal life has sparked curiosity among fans, particularly since her breakout role in Outlander in 2017.
Rumours of a romantic relationship between Lyle and her on-screen husband Cesar Domboy (Fergus Fraser) have been speculated by fans for years due to their on-screen chemistry.
Additionally, the pair are close off screen as they spend a lot of time together outside of work. During a previous Starz interview, both actors shared that they enjoy exploring Glasgow together on their days off.
However neither Lauren or Cesar have confirmed anything publicly, with Lauren often keeping that side of her life extremely private.
