ITdelightedmillionsworldwide – including me – but after Netflix introduced 1990s sitcom Friends to a new generation of sensitive millennials it faced a storm of absurd criticism.
Now Top Gear host MATT LeBLANC, who played Joey Tribbiani, has defended the comedy which made him the huge star he is today.
Among a host of ridiculous moans, snowflakes accused the series of “fat shaming” for taking the mick out of Monica’s weight and homophobia towards Ross’s lesbian ex-wife.
But in an exclusive chat at the launch of Top Gear’s 25th series, Matt with girlfriend Aurora Mulligan, rejected the claims.
Having read recent reports about the criticism, he said: “I disagree with all that. I see young people enjoying and loving the show.
“Everyone gets up in arms about one thing or another these days. I think that will go as quickly as it came. I don’t think it’s something Friends will be judged by.”
The show faced claims of transphobia when MATTHEW PERRY’s character Chandler was ashamed of his drag-queen dad, and sexism when DAVID SCHWIMMER’s character Ross assumed a male nanny was gay.
But while many Nineties shows now seem dated, in its time, Friends was groundbreaking for addressing these social issues at all on notoriously conservative US TV.
Matt has vowed to try not to offend when he returns with the show on Sunday at 8pm on BBC2 with co-stars CHRIS HARRIS and RORY REID.
His predecessors JEREMY CLARKSON and Co ruffled a few feathers.
Meanwhile Friends remains hugely popular, 24 years after it first aired, and Matt said: “We never dealt with current events. Friends dealt with eternal themes — love, trust, marriage, friendship and family problems.
“Those are things that stand the test of time.”
I hope it continues to for many years to come.
READ ON FOR THE REST OF DAN WOOTTON'S BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Backing for Jen
JENNIFER ANISTON only went public about her shock split from husband JUSTIN THEROUX last week – but Matt insists she will take it in her stride.
He and Jen have been close pals for more than 20 years after co-starring in hit comedy Friends.
When asked about her break-up, the Top Gear host said: “I haven’t spoken to Jennifer but I’m sure she’s doing OK.”
A joint statement announcing Jennifer and Justin’s break-up said: “We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship.”
Well, she’ll always have a friend in Matt.
Old boys slammed for motor mayhem
TOP Gear’s old guard JEREMY CLARKSON, JAMES MAY and RICHARD HAMMOND may have quit three years ago, but that hasn’t stopped the current talent having a pop.
Chris slammed their negativity towards some old models when he defended his celebration of the classic Citroën 2CV in a film he has made for the upcoming series.
Chris said: “That’s the key difference between our Top Gear and the last Top Gear, for me.
“I think the 2CV would have been lampooned, it would’ve been the figure of fun, it would’ve been blown up.
“We want to celebrate it. And I think it’s a charming film and I love the fact I had a chance to celebrate a really important piece of engineering.”
Fellow presenter Rory, below, reckoned the Citroën should have been given the full Clarkson treatment.
One thing’s for sure – they’re clearly not missing cringeworthy ex-host CHRIS EVANS.
Their former colleague quit after just one series of the revamped BBC show as viewing figures plummeted to an all- time low.
Racing on Star Circuit
HOW hard is it to handle Top Gear’s famous test track for their Star In A Reasonably Priced Car bit? I sent along my reporter JOE KASPER to find out.
Here’s how he got on …
Top Gear fans will know that a wet track means a rough ride for the stars, so when I saw the huge puddles as I approached Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey I felt the blood drain from my face.
I was taken around the circuit a few times by Chris Harris like the celebs are, and was chucked about in a Toyota as he drifted around corners, executed dizzying doughnuts and kissed kerbs with perfect precision.
He even boasted that he could do the track with his eyes closed, but vowed never to reveal his time.
When it came to my turn, Chris told me to put my wrists on the steering wheel to make sure I was sat close enough.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
My nerves soon wore off as I exploded out of the start line, safe in the knowledge Chris was by my side guiding me the whole way.
He was shocked by the way I took one corner – yelling “Brake! Brake!” – my 720° spin and my speed.
Brave, not stupid, I liked to think. But overall Chris was patient and complimentary about my driving, despite the mistakes.
One thing’s for sure, driving my Vauxhall Corsa will never 7 be the same again.
Soapbox
In EMMERDALE Tracy organises to meet Phil at a hotel, but doesn’t realise that a suspicious David has decided to follow her.
Elsewhere, Ross vents his frustrations and Aaron tells Alex he can shift all his belongings into Mill Cottage.
The announcement causes devastation for Robert.
In CORONATION STREET Eileen is taken aback by the turnaround in Billy’s health and quizzes him about his suspicious recovery from the withdrawal symptoms.
Meanwhile, Johnny assures Roy that he’ll take care of Carla while the cafe owner is looking after his mother.
Phelan copies Nicola’s flat keys, but doesn’t tell her.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jq2tmqaUqLWww8GisWhtZmeFdoSTaKSarKRiuaauy5qlnGWWp7amusOsZJ%2BZpGLAqa3MoqWgZZikurC8x6iZoplf