Friends reunited for one-off special: ten best moments from the show
We share our favourite times with Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross
Twelve years after the hit sitcom Friends ended, the actors are to reunite for a one-off two-hour special this February.
David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow have all signed up for the special, which will be a tribute to director James Burrows, who filmed many episodes of the series and has recently shot his 1,000th television programme, reports the BBC.
The show is expected to feature cameos, sketches and appearances linked to the many programmes Burrows has worked on over the years.
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However, NBC entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt warned that all six actors may not appear together. "I'm hoping all six will be in same room at the same time," he told reporters, but added: "I'm not sure we can logistically pull it off."
Friends ended in 2004, after ten series and a decade on US screens. The special is scheduled to be broadcast on 21 February on NBC, although the UK screening date is yet to be announced.
Here are ten top moments, one from each series:
Monica Gets a Roommate (series one, episode one)
In the coffee shop, Central Perk, we meet the gang: romantic control-freak Monica; her geeky, charming and recently dumped brother Ross; sarcastic yet funny Chandler; goofy womaniser Joey, and New-Age eccentric Phoebe. Then Rachel arrives, having just left her fiance at the altar to run to her high-school best friend, Monica, who she forgot to invite to the wedding but now wants to move in with.
Ross meets Russ (series two, episode ten)
Rachel tries to get over breaking up with Ross by dating Russ, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Ross. The Friends all spot the similarity and she later dumps him, saying he reminds her of someone. Both roles were played by Schwimmer, who was credited with his pseudonym "Snaro" for the part of Russ.
The One Where No One's Ready (series three, episode two)
A very tense Ross has less than 30 minutes to get everyone dressed and out the door to attend a museum benefit, but the gang seem determined to hold him up. In the episode, which all takes place in one room, Rachel can't decide what to wear, Monica gets neurotic about a boyfriend and Chandler and Joey fight over ownership of the apartment's comfiest chair.
Chandler in a box (series four, episode eight)
Chandler desperately tries to earn Joey's forgiveness after kissing his girlfriend Kathy, but despite all his pleas for forgiveness, Joey wants to move out. Chandler says he is willing to do anything to get him to stay - so Joey decides his best friend has to spend six hours in a box.
The One with the Cop (series five, episode 16)
With a new apartment to decorate, Ross goes sofa shopping with Rachel and finds the perfect item only to refuse to pay for delivery as it is only a few blocks away. He asks her to help him carry it to his apartment but after they make it to the building, they get stuck trying to get it up the stairs. Rachel calls Chandler to help but nothing works and the couch is destroyed. Ross tries to return it anyway, but is only offered $4 in store credit.
The One with Ross's Teeth (series six, episode eight)
Monica sets Ross up on a date with her friend from work. Ross gets nervous and tries to look his best by whitening his teeth, with disastrous results. He tries different coloured shirts, make-up and covering his mouth to hide the problem, but when the lights go out his teeth glow in the dark.
The One with Nap Partners (series seven, episode six)
Joey and Ross are watching a movie when they fall asleep on each other on the couch. After waking up feeling better than they think they should, they start to get confused about their feelings. Joey admits it's the best nap he's ever had and wants to try it again, but Ross finds it too weird and refuses. When Ross finally relents and tries another nap with Joey, the gang walks in and catches them.
The One with the Rumour (series eight, episode nine)
This Thanksgiving episode features Brad Pitt while he was still married to Aniston. He plays Will, an acquaintance from high school who used to be fat and hated Rachel because she was horrible to him. Now, however, he's slim and handsome and Rachel is attracted. But then she finds out Will started an "I Hate Rachel Greene Club" in high school with two members: him and Ross. Unknown to her, the club had spread a rumour that Rachel had both male and female reproductive parts. But Rachel had also spread a rumour about Ross - which turns out to be true.
Phoebe's Birthday Dinner (series nine, episode five)
Phoebe is having a dinner to celebrate being one year older but most of the gang don't show up on time, so she and Joey must try to keep their table. Monica and Chandler are arguing because she is ovulating and wants to have sex and Rachel and Ross have locked their baby in the apartment. Phoebe gets a call from future husband Mike and decides to ditch her friends, leaving Joey to eat six meals.
The One Where Joey Speaks French (series ten, episode 13)
Joey is determined to get an acting part but he has to speak French. Phoebe offers to teach him, even though Joey is a poor student and his words sounds like gibberish. When she realises Joey will never learn in time, Phoebe goes to the audition and tells the director he is mentally disabled, which is why his French is garbled. He doesn't get the part.
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