Entertainment
James Corden seen for first time since dividing fans with Friends reunion hosting role
James Corden has been spotted for the first time after leaving Friends fans divided for his involvement in the reunion.
The comedian presented the one-off special, which saw Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), David Schwimmer (Ross Geller), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) and Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani) reunite almost 20 years after the final episode aired.
However, some viewers were left a bit confused as to why James hosted the special, with many taking to social media to point out that plenty of the other celebs involved in the reunion had guest-starred on the series.
Now, the 42-year-old has been seen heading out for lunch in Los Angeles after the special aired around the world.
James sported a black jumper paired with blue jeans, while adding a set of white trainers and accessorised with a pair of sunglasses which hung over his jumper.
Putting safety first he finished off the look with a black face mask amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Late Late Show host toted several green bags on his outing, from the wine and cheese bar Wally’s as he walked along the footpath.
Production company Fulwell73, which James is a partner in, was behind the special, which was directed by fellow partner Ben Winston, who also serves as co-executive producer of James’s The Late Late Show.
James had expressed his delight at being asked to take part, explaining on This Morning: ‘It’s peppered with lots of different people popping in and out, but really it’s a celebration of the unbelievable chemistry between that cast.
‘It’s a big nostalgic look back at this group of characters that mean so much to so many people… but I can’t tell you much more than that, only that I was privileged to be asked to be part of it, you know.’
However, some disappointed fans suggested that one of the guest stars from the show could have hosted instead, with Paul Rudd, who played recurring character Mike Hannigan, being a popular choice.
Other guest stars on the series have included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Still, amid the backlash James found support from others, with one fan writing: ‘I don’t *love* James Corden, but I don’t think he’s a terrible choice for the Friends reunion.’
Another said: ‘James corden is gonna be in the friends reunion. I can’t – he’s literally one of my favourite interviewers of all time and now I’m gonna see him with six of my favourite people.’
Friends: The Reunion is available to stream on NOW.
MORE : Friends Reunion director addresses Paul Rudd’s absence from special after backlash
