Friends fans slam director for 'harsh' critique of 'unfunny' guest star he claims he struggled to work with

There are certain groups you don't want to upset, and Friends fans are one of them.

And they have come out in force after a director threw some serious shade on one of the show's guest stars.

Between 1994 and 1998, James Burrows directed over a dozen episodes of the hit series.

Over that time, 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.

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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.

"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'.

"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."

Well, unsurprisingly, Burrows' comments have not gone down well with the Friends faithful, or even some of the show's critics, who have had their say.

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Many have come out and defended Baxendale, saying that actually she was very funny.

One person wrote: "What a s**t... he needs attention so throws insults around. I liked her."

Another commented: "Friends director wanted to recast 'not funny' Helen Baxendale... This is harsh!...

"I think #HelenBaxendale was fantastic! She WAS FUNNY in her own way and loved her in #Friends...

"Remember when Friends was funny?" asked one hater. "Me neither. Maybe the director blaming Helen Baxendale for it is just another bad joke."

Not everyone came out to bat for the actor, though.

Some felt that he had a point, at least when it came to her character.

"Most wooden acting performance on the small screen is confirmed years later," said one.