In a serendipitous turn of events, two original scripts from the timeless sitcom "Friends" have surfaced, igniting a buzz among fans of the iconic show.
Unveiled by Hanson Ross, a Hertfordshire-based auction house, these scripts belonged to the unforgettable episodes "The One With Ross's Wedding Part I and Part II," adding a new chapter to the beloved series' legacy.
The fascinating journey of these scripts rivals the plotlines of the show itself. Dating back to 1998, when the episodes were filmed at Fountain Studios in London, the scripts were slated for destruction to safeguard the plot's secrecy.
However, destiny intervened as a studio employee stumbled upon them in a trash bin. Unbeknownst to him, he safeguarded the scripts with his belongings when he left the job in 1999.
Forgotten for over two decades, these artifacts of television history resurfaced as the same individual prepared to move houses. Now, poised for auction, these scripts are set to find new homes, offering fans a chance to own a piece of "Friends" history.
Amanda Butler, the head of operations at Hanson Ross, expressed her amazement, stating, "They were brought to our saleroom for valuation, and we were amazed. Friends fans will absolutely love these.
They sweep us back to 1998 when Ross, Monica, Joey, Chandler, and Rachel traveled to England to see Ross (David Schwimmer) marry his fiancée Emily (Helen Baxendale) in London."
This accidental discovery provides a unique opportunity for fans to connect with the nostalgia of "Friends" and own a tangible piece of its legacy.
The scripts act as a time capsule, transporting enthusiasts back to the laughter and joy the show has brought to generations.
The 60-year-old retired Londoner, who once worked in admin support at the studios, shared insights into the bustling atmosphere during the show's production.
"I never saw any of the Friends cast, but I remember it was madly busy. There was a real buzz about the place, and I did my best to help," he recalled. "They needed a studio audience, and I helped to distribute tickets to people who won a London radio station competition to watch Friends being filmed. Only recently, I discovered a ticket inside one of the scripts."
"Friends," created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004, captivating audiences for ten seasons. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, it remains one of the most popular TV shows of all time. As these scripts go under the hammer, they offer fans a chance to own a piece of the magic that continues to resonate across generations.
