'Friends' Director Reveals the Guest Star Who Was 'Not Particularly Funny' & Why They Could Not Be Recast

James said that Helen Baxendale, who was cast as Emily for 14 episodes of the show, was “not particularly funny.” Emily was Ross’ love interest, who he eventually married. However, the marriage was very short-lived as Ross said Rachel’s name at the wedding. James directed the episode, “The One with All the Rugby,” which heavily featured Emily and Ross.

“She was nice but not particularly funny. [David] Schwimmer had no one to bounce off. It was like clapping with one hand,” James said of Helen.

He continued, “In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy, the funny is just as important as the chemistry.”

“We discovered that any new girlfriend for Ross needed to be as funny as Rachel [Jennifer Aniston],” he added.

Keep reading to see why they didn’t recast her role…