Matthew Perry's move saved Chandler and Monica from a point of no return

The one where Matthew Perry stepped in and changed Chandler and Monica's happy ending.

It has been revealed that the late Friends star Matthew Perry played a pivotal role in saving the on-screen marriage of Chandler and Monica. 

Perry's recent passing at the age of 54 has spurred new insights into how he influenced the iconic show's storyline.

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It could have been a story story

Former Friends guest star Lisa Cash disclosed how Perry's intervention prevented a potential cheating scandal for Chandler and Monica that could have rivalled Ross and Rachel's tumultuous relationship on the hit TV series.

Cash revealed that she nearly portrayed a character who would have tempted Chandler into infidelity. 

However, Perry stepped in and persuaded the show's writers to abandon the storyline.

The cut scene was set in Las Vegas during the season 5 finale, titled "The One In Vegas." In the original script, Chandler and Monica had a heated argument about Monica's lunch with Richard, which led to Chandler ordering room service. 

In the scene, Cash played a hotel worker who would have had a connection with Chandler, potentially leading to an affair.

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Lisa Cash revealed how Perry's intervention prevented a potential cheating scandal. Source: Instagram

Down to the last minute

Cash reminisced about the situation, saying, "We had rehearsed it and everything, and then the day before we were shooting in front of a live audience, I was told that [Perry] went to the writers and said the audience will never forgive him for cheating on Monica, which, he was probably right. That would have changed possibly the course of the show and of his character."

The final episode saw Chandler and Monica mending their relationship and deciding to elope in Las Vegas.

However, their plans were disrupted when Ross and Rachel, in a drunken haze, beat them to the altar. 

Chandler and Monica eventually married in a later season, keeping their love story intact.

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Chandler and Monica got their happily ever after in the end. Source: NBC

A turning point for Chandler

Cash, while acknowledging that the original scene could have been a turning point in her career, expressed her appreciation for working with Matthew Perry. 

She described him as "quick and talented" and recalled how his welcoming and friendly demeanour made her feel comfortable on set.

She also supported Perry's decision to veto the cheating storyline, stating, "I think it was a good move because they have that other thing with Ross and Rachel, 'We were on a break,' but Chandler and Monica weren't on a break. 

“This was a decision that he was going to make to cheat on her. I mean, in the moment and everything, but I don't think the audience could have really forgiven that."

Originally published as Matthew Perry's move saved Chandler and Monica from a point of no return