Outlander star candidly admits she's 'broken in two' as she welcomes first child

An Outlander actress has announced the arrival of her first child, openly sharing that she feels "broken" after the birth.

Nell Hudson, known for her role as Laoghaire MacKenzie, hasn't featured prominently in the Starz and MGM+'s romantic time-travelling drama since its fourth season but did make a fleeting return in the seventh series last year.

With Outlander drawing to a close, Hudson is set to return as the determined and sometimes vindictive Laoghaire one final time when the show airs its concluding series in early 2026.

While fans eagerly anticipate the final chapters, Hudson has been embracing a significant personal milestone, having recently given birth to her first child with her husband, producer Max King.

The star's Instagram post suggests that childbirth wasn't exactly straightforward for her.

In a heartfelt Instagram update, the 34-year-old posted a raw image of the birthing location, complete with bloodstains, followed by a tender snapshot of her newborn daughter's hand.

Her caption read: "1. I can't believe everyone ever was given birth to by a woman and we all just go around like it's normal. MOTHERS - I am in awe of all of you.

"2. I am broken in two in the best possible way.

"3. It's a girl".

"4. Need a new word for love."

Hudson stops short of delving into the specifics of her labour, but she does confess to feeling profoundly transformed by the experience.

The star has kept her daughter's name under wraps, possibly preferring privacy as is common among celebrities.

Hudson and her beau King exchanged vows last month following their engagement in Paris back in March 2024.

She offered a glimpse into their nuptials with a series of photos, captioning: "First little look at some wedding pics."

She continued, expressing the joy of her big day: "What can I say that hasn't ever been said it really was the best day ever."

Hudson teased more updates with: "More to come soon....xxx", while tenderly holding her baby bump.

The filming of Outlander's eighth season concluded in September 2024, shortly before Hudson announced her pregnancy.

Reflecting on the show's conclusion, Hudson's colleague and Claire Fraser actress Caitriona Balfe shared with Collider: "The leading up to it was the hardest part."

She added: "A lot of people were feeling very out of sorts. The anxiety of the impending ending was quite intense for me anyway."

Balfe also admitted: "And then, there was a lot of ugly crying on my behalf."

Outlander season eight set to premiere in early 2026 on Starz and MGM+.