Friends’ Gunther is barely recognisable in appearance on This Morning
He appeared to celebrate the sitcom's 25th anniversary
Friends actor James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther in the hit sitcom, has left fans shocked, as he was barely recognisable in his appearance on ITV's This Morning today (24th September).
The actor, who played the Central Perk coffee shop manager Gunther, looked VERY different to when he last appeared in the sitcom 15 years ago, ditching the trademark bleach blonde hair, opting for instead his natural hair colour and beard!
Speaking to Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about the show's anniversary, James joked he only started to speak in the sitcom's '33rd episode', before adding, "I wasn't aware of where it Gunther was going to go. It happened organically.
"It was going to be about a two episode arc in my mind but they kept it for ten years and I'm very grateful for that."
James even admitted that he doesn't get recognised as often as you'd think, confessing, "People tell me to get out of the way at these Friends events and then they realise who I am and say, 'Oh, I'm sorry!'"
The 57-year-old then went on to discuss why the show was SO popular, crediting the writers for its success. He said, "We were very fortunate to have extremely talented writers who were at the top of their game.
"If it didn't land, they would huddle and five minutes later who have an entirely different joke."
Fans of Friends took to Twitter to express their shock, with one user writer, 'OMG, is that actually him?!', whilst another wrote, 'Gunther doesn't even look like Gunther.' sic
But there was some sad news in the interview, as James revealed he wouldn't be up for a reunion because, "Why mess with perfection?"
Wow. That hit hard.
Friends 25th anniversary: Here's what to type into Google for the Easter Eggs
Ross Geller
Paleontologist Ross Geller, played by David Schwimmer, is being commemorated with his unforgettable 'PIVOT' moment. Type 'Ross Friends', 'Ross Geller' or any combination of the two, and a sofa icon will show up. Click the sofa, and hear Ross yell 'PIVOT!' each time you click, before the sofa eventually breaks in half, as in the sitcom.
Monica Geller
Ross' chef sister Monica, played by Courteney Cox, is of course being remembered for her love of all things hygienic. Search 'Monica Friends', 'Monica Geller' or any combination of the two, then click on the bucket to watch Monica's sponge jump out and start tidying up its virtual surroundings.
Rachel Green
Fashionista Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston, became an influential force in the real world too, thanks to her iconic hairstyle, The Rachel. EVERYONE wanted this hair at the time, but Jennifer has since revealed she actually hated it. Google 'Rachel Friends', 'Rachel Freen' or any mix of the two. Clicking Rachel's hair icon will take you to a Google image search of the hairstyle.
Joey Tribbiani
Soap actor Joey Tribbiani made his love of food VERY clear from the get-go. Type 'Joey Friends', 'Joey Tribbiani' or a combination of the two, then tap Joey's pizza to see more of his favourite fast foods pop up around the screen, before Joey yells his famous line: 'Joey doesn't share food!' and reaches to grab it all for himself.
Chandler Bing
Funnyman Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry, had countless hilarious lines, but Google have chosen to commemorate him with his beloved Chick and Duck, as well as his BarcaLounger. Google 'Chandler Friends', 'Chandler Bing' or a combination of the two, then tap the chair to see Chick and Duck pop out, and chase each other around your screen.
Phoebe Buffay
Quirky masseuse Phoebe Buffay - played by Lisa Kudrow - also had plenty of memorable moments... But none more historic than her song, 'Smelly Cat'. Search 'Phoebe Friends', 'Phoebe Buffar' or any combination of the two, click her guitar and hear Lisa/Phoebe serenade you as an actual smelly cat wanders about.
Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.