For the past six seasons on Starz Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe have endeared themselves to viewers as they bring the stories of Jamie and Claire Fraser to life. Based on Diana Gabaldons fantasy novels the on-screen adaptation of Outlander will continue in the hotly-anticipated seventh season next year. But as filming continues Balfe has reached a remarkable milestone in the role and its something Heughan wanted to celebrate.

On Sunday September 11 Outlanders verified Twitter account shared the news that it marked exactly nine years since Balfe landed her role as Claire Fraser.The shows account tweeted Its been nine years since we found our Claire and weve cherished her every day since. 

Happy casting anniversary to the incomparable @caitrionambalfe! #Outlander it concluded and while hundreds of fans rushed to congratulate the star Heughan too marked the milestone.

Its today!!!!! Heughan commented alongside a retweet of the post to his 763.7k followers. Congrats Balfe the OG Sassenach x. Outlander Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe have starred opposite one another since season 1 (Image GETTY)

The praise continued as @A2MParis replied They could not make a better casting for Claire and Jamie.

And @Artistatlarge concurred as they simply responded Love your friendship! Congrats to Caitriona!

Elsewhere fellow Outlander fan @TheGFChef21 tweeted to Heughan Wouldnt be the same without both of you together. Magic!!

Its no secret that Heughan holds his co-star in such high regard given the pairs bond on and off-screen. Outlander Jamie and Claire Fraser will be back in season 7 (Image STARZ)

In fact Heughan recently touched on what he would miss most once Outlander wraps up for good - and he quickly referred to his fellow cast members.

What will I miss? Ill miss the camaraderie the people the routine he said to Square Mile.

The routine is pretty tough pretty full on. But theres something wonderful about it going to work every day you know you all are going to be f**ked but the end.

Its hard work its full-on but youre all in it together. So I guess that camaraderie and being around people you enjoy being around.