Who is Karen Pirie star Lauren Lyle? From other key roles to co-star marriage rumours
Simon Bland | 11:19am Sun 20 JulKaren Pirie series 2 led by Lauren Lyle has just landed on ITVX, which surely means a renewed interest in the captivating young star.
Karen Pirie debuted in late 2022 and wasted no time impressing lovers of gripping crime drama. It’s based on the Inspector Karen Pirie novels by Scottish author Val McDermid and features Lauren as its titular detective.
It’s Lauren’s latest hit in a career that began in 2013. In just over a decade, the Glasgow actress has cultivated an IMDB resume that spans film, television and even podcasts.
In fact, this last medium plays a big part in in Karen Pirie series 1, where Lauren’s copper character re-examines a cold-case that’s become the subject of a true crime podcast.
But what about Lauren Lyle? Read on…
Lauren Lyle and Chris Jenks return as DS Karen Pirie and DC Jason Murray in series 2 [Credit: ITV]
How old is Lauren Lyle?
Lauren was born on July 12, 1993, making her 32 at the time of publishing this article. Her birthplace is Glasgow, second city of Scotland.
Who does Lauren Lyle play in Karen Pirie?
Lauren plays the lead role in the ITV drama Karen Pirie.
The project is her first leading role, one that introduced her to wider audiences.
“I feel honoured,” she told The Big Issue in 2022. “I never thought I’d get to do it in my twenties. It was my first time leading a show, and there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that.”
She also spoke of her pride in bringing a new perspective to an often male-dominated genre.
“I don’t think we’ve ever seen a young female detective in her twenties,” she added. “It’s a lot more hopeful, exciting and driven.”
Will Lauren Lyle be in Karen Pirie series 2?
Of course! Lauren reprises her role but has been promoted from DS to Inspector Pirie in the show’s second series. ITV confirmed Karen Pirie series 2 in early 2023. It returned in July 2025.
“I’m thrilled that we will continue the life of our fearless young detective Karen Pirie, and of course, her bumbag,” Lauren has joked, referencing the character’s fashion choices. “I’ve known for a while how well the show has gone down behind the scenes so it’s been a joy to see audiences want more.
“Season one was incredibly exciting, building an original character we hadn’t seen before.”
Who did Lauren Lyle play in Outlander?
Karen Pirie isn’t Lauren’s only notable role. Between 2017 and 2022, she played Marsali MacKimmie Fraser in the hit Starz show Outlander. The series is based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels of the same name and follows a World War II military nurse who travels back in time to 1743.
Once there, she’s embroiled in historical exploits and romance stories. Lauren plays a part in one such narrative. MacKimmie Fraser is strong-willed and courageous and falls for Fergus Fraser, played by César Domboy.
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Lauren left the show in 2024, marking the moment with a special Instagram post.
“Today was my last ever day on @outlander_starz. It had been 3 years since I last shot on the show when they asked me back for a turn on this final season,” she said in a caption.
“My life has changed on this show. Truly different lives lived. I’m so grateful for Marsali Fraser and all that came with her.”
Read more: Karen Pirie series 2 episode 1 cast in full
Lauren Lyle movies and TV shows – where else you may have seen her
Lauren has appeared in various shows throughout her acting career so far.
After starring in a couple of short films, she joined the National Youth Theatre’s repertory programme in 2015. This led her to take part in a number of plays before TV called.
A brief appearance in BBC Three’s BBC Comedy Feeds led to a role in the channel’s popular medical drama Holby City. Next, she starred opposite The Lord of the Rings icon Sean Bean in religious drama Broken before Outlander shot her to wider acclaim.
She’s in films too. Fans can find her in Annabel Jankel’s 2017 romantic drama Tell It To The Bees. Last year, she appeared with Saoirse Ronan in the Oscar-nominated alcoholism story The Outrun.
Before Karen Pirie, Lauren joined Line of Duty actor Martin Compston in Vigil. This BBC police drama also starred Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie and investigated a mysterious death onboard a nuclear submarine.
The show was a hit, with Lauren playing peace activist Jade Antoniak.
Is Lauren Lyle married?
No, she’s not married. At least, we don’t think she is. She keeps her personal life private so its hard to guess about her dating history.
One place where the star shares some details of her life is Instagram. Her 224K+ followers get a brief insight into Lauren’s daily activities via regular posts.
A lack of insight around her dating life hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about it. Many have suggested she may be – or have been – in a relationship with her on-screen Outlander hubby Cesar Domboy.
We got married in real life. https://t.co/6h4F4gK4GW
— Lauren Lyle (@LlaurenLyle) November 27, 2017
Lauren threw fuel on this rumour fire when answering a question on X. A fan asked how she and Domboy prepared for her Outlander wedding scene and her response raised eyebrows.
She replied: “We got married in real life.”
