THE world of Outlander is set to expand as details of a prequel series have been revealed.

Author Diana Gabaldon is set to return as a consulting producer on the show, which will be called Outlander: Blood of My Blood.

The original time-travelling drama – which is largely set, and filmed, in Scotland – has already been green-lit for a seventh season starring its leading cast members Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe.

Outlander: Blood of My Blood is set to focus on the love story between the parents of Heughan’s character Jamie Fraser.

The National: Sam Heughan stars as Jamie Fraser in OutlanderSam Heughan stars as Jamie Fraser in Outlander

Writing, led by current Outlander showrunner and executive producer Matthew B Roberts, is already underway. Maril Davis and Ronald D Moore, who originally developed the book series for television, will also executive produce.

While it’s not yet known when the prequel series will be released, it has been confirmed that it will be available to watch on Starz and StarzPlay across the US, Europe and south America.

READ MORE: Outlander: How it gets it wrong – and right – on Scottish history

Kathryn Busy, the president of programming at Starz, welcomed the opportunity to expand the Outlander story.

She said in a statement: “Outlander is a riveting show that, from season to season, has captured the hearts of its fans around the world.

“We are excited to peel back the layers of this vibrant world to bring our audience the origin of where it all began. Matthew, Maril and Ronald will continue to bring their excellent vision and creativity to this new iteration, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.”