It’s been almost 13 years since we tuned in to watch the final episode of Friends – but our love for the Central Perk gang is just as strong as ever. We constantly watch endless re-runs of classic episodes, mouthing along with Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courteney Cox), Ross (David Schwimmer). Chandler (Matthew Perry), and Joey (Matt le Blanc).
But, while we thought we knew everything there was to know about Friends, it turns out that the cast still have a few surprises up their sleeves – even now, after all this time.
Ross, as fans will already be aware, was constantly locked in an on-again, off-again relationship with Rachel. However, despite his “WE WERE ON A BREAK” moment, the pair maintained a strong friendship – and she often chipped in with babysitting duties when it came to his and ex-wife Carol’s son, Ben (Cole Sprouse).
Why? Because she was ‘Fun Aunt Rachel’, of course.
However, while Sprouse – now, somehow, 24 (anyone else suddenly feel old?) – enjoyed filming his scenes with Aniston, he’s since revealed that they were also incredibly “difficult”.
And it’s all because he harboured a huge secret crush on the real-life Rachel Green.
Speaking to the New York Post, Sprouse said: “I had a really, really hard time working with Aniston because I was so in love with her.
“I was infatuated. I was speechless. I'd get all bubbly and forget my lines and completely blank. It was so difficult.”
In the same interview, he added that he is still overwhelmed by how much of an impact his stint on Friends has had on his life. Even now, he’s recognised on the street by die-hard fans – and he doubts that their fascination with him is going to go away fast.
“I was only in seven episodes, but it's funny now that people are recognising me for that because my brother and I have been working since we were eight months old,” he said.
“Because Friends is on Netflix, there's a renewed interest from that. People can call me 'Ben' on the street and I will turn around.”
Elle MacPherson, who similarly starred in Friends for a short period of time, has also admitted that she is sick of being recognised as Janine (aka Joey’s dancer roommate and girlfriend).
“If I’d known how important it was in the US, or how long it would be on TV, I may not have chosen to do it,’ she told TV Week.
“It was a lot of pressure if you look at it in the way that it will be around for 20 or 30 years.”
MacPherson added: “Friends is still very popular where we live in America and re-runs are on constantly," she said.
“[My son and his friends] know me as Janine LaCroix and they are always like, 'Oh you know, Cy's [mom] she is on Friends.’
“They haven't figured out it was nearly 20 years ago, they still think I am on Friends.”
Images: Rex Pictures
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