Matthew Perry 'was in love' with Friends co-star Courteney Cox

30 October 2023 , 18:25

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Courteney and Matthew remained close over the years

Matthew Perry was reportedly in love with his Friends co-star Courteney Cox.

The pair played on-screen husband and wife Chandler Bing and Monica Geller, with the two characters falling for each other over the course of the hit show. The final episode showed them heading for life in the suburbs back in 2004.

Monica and Chandler started out as friends but fell in love after they embarked on a physical relationship while on a trip to London. The coupling was a huge hit with fans of the show but claims have been made that the romantic feelings also existed off screen for Matthew, who tragically passed away on Saturday.

READ MORE: David Schwimmer looks downcast as he's seen for first time since Matthew Perry's death

The former cast mates had a strong relationship off screen too (NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

The 54-year-old star is believed to have died at his Los Angeles home after 'drowning in his jacuzzi'. Tributes have been pouring in for the actor following his untimely death but his Friends co-stars are yet to comment.

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Matthew allegedly had strong feelings for Courteney while they were working on the show together, but at the time she was dating her Scream co-star David Arquette, who she split from in October 2010. Since then Courteney has been romantically linked to Snow Patrol guitarist Johnny McDaid who she met through mutual friend Ed Sheeran back in 2013.

Courteney and Johnny have had an on/off relationship and during one break-up in 2015 Courteney reportedly sought solace in support from Matthew. At the time a source told Perez Hilton: "It's no surprise that Matthew was one of the first people Courteney called after Johnny left her. They've leaned on each other before. There isn't any pressure to put a label on it just yet, but they're excited to see where this might go."

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While the rumours circulated, Courteney rekindled her romance with Johnny and Matthew was subsequently in a relationship with Molly Hurwitz for two years. But sources claimed that Matthew never lost his feelings for Courteney with one telling US Weekly last year: "Matthew's always been in love with her. Matthew has never fully been able to get over her."

The official Friends X account confirmed Matthew's death writing: "We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans."

Ayeesha Walsh