The director of the globally popular sitcom 'Friends', James Burrows, claims that producers nearly recast a key character.

In his new biography, "Directed By James Burrows," he says that actress Helen Baxendale, who played Ross’ wife Emily, was almost replaced.

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Baxendale's chemistry with Schwimmer wasn't always hilarious, he wrote, according to a CNN report.

“Schwimmer had no one to bounce off,” he wrote. “It was like clapping with one hand.”

“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,” he said.

Jennifer Aniston portrayed Rachel.

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Because of the show's tight schedules, recasting Emily proved tough, it said.

“Often, you can’t recast, because of tight shooting deadlines or other logistical considerations,” Burrows wrote. “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.”

Baxendale had a fairly long run on the show. Her character Emily was introduced in Season 4 and appeared in 14 episodes in all. Emily and Ross married in Season 5, but Ross said Rachel’s name during the vows by accident, as all fans worldwide remember.

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When Emily and Ross split up, Baxendale was dropped from the sitcom, the CNN report added.