Friends producers recast Ross’ ex-wife after actor dropped out when she realized what the part was

Friends remains one of the biggest sitcoms ever, even years after it ended.

And if you ask any true fan, they will be probably be able to name you every character, and in a lot of instances, who played them.

But did you know that one actually had to be recast after the actor pulled out of the role.

Looking back, you'd be absolutely devastated, wouldn't you?

Originally, Anita Barone was cast to play Ross' ex-wife Carol, who, ya know, leaves him for another woman.

So, when the character was first introduced to fans in the second episode, 'The One with the Sonogram at the End', they saw Barone.

The following episodes, though, we saw her replaced by Jane Sibbett. But why?

NBC

Well, apparently, Barone decided to quit the show in search of something more full-time instead.

I bet she's kicking herself now, eh?

Despite the probably ill-advised move, Barone has gone on to have a successful acting career, starring in dozens of films and TV series.

Carol, meanwhile, went on to become one of Friends most beloved characters after Sibbett took over the role.

This shocking revelation comes after a former Friends director took a swipe at one of its stars.

James Burrows worked on the show between 1994 and 1998, directing over a dozen episodes during that time.

And as well as the main cast - David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Anniston, etc. - he worked with a bunch of guest actors, who dipped in and out of storylines.

Some better than others, apparently.

In his new memoir, Directed by James Burrows, he recalled of the episode 'The One with All the Rugby' and took aim at Helen Baxendale, who played Ross' fiancée Emily Waltham, branding her 'not funny'.

"She was nice but not particularly funny. Schwimmer had no one to bounce off," Burrows wrote.

NBC

"It was like clapping with one hand."

Burrows went on: "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.

"Often, you can't recast, because of tight shooting deadlines or other logistical considerations. You don't cast anyone to be a straw man, unless it's for one episode."

The director explained further how 'you need someone who gets laughs'.

He said: "Sometimes you start an arc and it ain't working out, so you have to get rid of that person. If it's a day player, it's a quick goodbye.

"The reverse is also true. If there's chemistry, the writers go to work to figure out some way of keeping the actor."