BDAY LOVE

'Friends' at 25: Monica and Chandler were never supposed to hookup, let alone get married

It's been 18 years since Monica Gellar and Chandler Bing said "I do" on "Friends," which celebrated its 25th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 22. And although the longtime pals' romantic subplot was widely praised by fans, Monica and Chandler's relationship "began as a whim," according to a new book about the show.

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Author Saul Austerlitz writes in "Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era" that "Friends" writers were dubious when it was suggested that Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry's characters fall for one another.

"When the second season was being planned, one of the writers tossed out an idea," Austerlitz writes (via People), "'What if we get Chandler and Monica together?'"

He says the notion "was intended less as a permanent shift in the gravity of the series and more as a fun plotline, good for a few episodes before the status quo snapped back into place."

It was not exactly well received in the writers' room, either. According to Austerlitz, one writer called the idea "a little desperate," and it was decided they move on, initially.

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Then, a couple of seasons later, the writers were planning a scene in which Monica gets drunk while the group is in London for Ross' wedding. She's feeling full of self-doubt when she shows up in Chandler's room and stuns him by kissing him.

The scene was meant to be humorous — but even that approach was iffy for the writers.

"There was a fear … that bringing Chandler and Monica together would be perceived as near-incestuous," Austerlitz writes.

Instead, the studio audience made it quite clear they were all about the plot twist.

"The cheers and hoots of delight went on and on, drowning out the performers and shaking the room," Austerlitz writes.

The two hooked up again … and again. Finally, they went back to New York City and continued seeing each other on the sly.

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Executive producer Scott Silveri told Vulture in 2013 that the studio reaction to the pair's first hookup was so "intense," he stopped watching the monitors and instead watched the audience.

"I don't think anybody balked too much at them hooking up. That felt natural. The fallout came in the following year, when it became a relationship," Silveri told Vulture. Eventually, though, fans came to appreciate the romance.

Perhaps not as much as Silveri, though.

"If you didn't have a Monica-and-Chandler relationship," he said, "if the center of 'Friends' had remained Ross and Rachel, you would've seen a much shorter shelf life for the show."

He added: "Without Monica and Chandler, it ends three years earlier. I don't owe my whole house to them, but at least two bedrooms and a bath are because of them."

BDAY LOVE

Tim McGraw honors 'best friend' Faith Hill on her 52nd birthday

Tim McGraw has so much love for his wife, Faith Hill, on her special day.

In honor of Hill's 52nd birthday, the country singer shared a makeup-free photo of the stunning "Breathe" songstress casually clad in yoga pants, writing her a stunning tribute.

"Our center…." he started the tribute to Hill. "She is my wife, she is the mother of my girls. She is my best friend, my lover, my tether in the storms, I love her, I love her, I love her."

He finished off the post adding, "Happy birthday baby❤️."

Faith and Tim have been married since 1996 and are parents to three girls, Gracie, Audrey and Maggie.

BDAY LOVE

Aaron Carter's twin sister granted restraining order against him

Aaron Carter's twin sister Angel is afraid for her life, and has been granted a restraining order against her brother.

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Following the lead of her older brother, Nick, Angel Conrad filed a restraining order for domestic violence against Aaron on Friday afternoon. According to TMZ, a judge granted it shortly after.

According to documents obtained by the website, she had a disturbing phone conversation with Carter on September 5 and he threatened her life. "I have people that would come and harm you," he reportedly told her. She also fears for the lives of her husband and daughter, she said, because her brother has been brandishing firearms on social media.

In the legal documents, she also mentioned an August FaceTime conversation with Aaron that inspired Nick to file a restraining order against him on Monday. In addition to confessing he had "thoughts of killing babies" and telling her that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, she claims he admitted that he tortured a turtle when he was a child by lighting it on fire, having "no emotion" about the incident.

According to the legal order, Aaron must stay 100 yards away from Angel and her family. Additionally, he can't share threatening posts about them on social media.

Over the last 24 hours, Aaron has been erratically tweeting up a storm, getting into it with many of his followers, including Perez Hilton.

He has also been encouraging officials to look deeper into the rape allegations against his brother, Nick, instead of focusing on him.

Aaron checked into rehab two years ago for substance abuse issues. In 2018 he claimed he was "healthy" again.

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Kourtney Kardashian and Younes Bendjima are 'casually dating' again

Kourtney Kardashian and her ex-boyfriend Younes Bendjima are spending time together again.

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After photos of Younes and Kourtney, smiling wide while holding hands, sparked speculations that the two were an item again, speculation arose that they were back on. However, according to those close to her, it isn't serious. "They spend some time together. It's more of a friend situation," a source told People.

But is it? "You could call it casually dating. It's definitely not a relationship. They have known each other for a long time and Kourtney has fun with him," the source added. "She isn't happy about being photographed with him though. She has been trying to just keep it private."

Kourtney, 40, and Younes, 26, broke up in August 2018 after dating for around two years. The two were spotted together a month later. According to reports, her family "never clicked" with Younes and "were always encouraging [Kourtney] to trade up." Also, "Younes clearly was not a fan of the fame, or the TV show ['Keeping Up With the Kardashians'] — [the family] really had nothing in common with him and didn't 'get' him."

While she has been linked to other guys since their split, she has yet to make anything official.

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Cardi B celebrates 2nd wedding anniversary to Offset with touching post

In honor of their 2nd wedding anniversary, Cardi B and husband Offset honored each other in the sweetest way — with his and hers Instagram tributes.

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"9/20/17 Happy marriage anniversary hubby❤️ We keep learning and growing," the "I Like It" singer penned, alongside a cute photo of the two. "Thats what marriage about."

The Migos rapper paid tribute to his wife with a touching video montage. One of the clips appears to be taken when Cardi was in labor with their daughter, Kulture.

"Today is our anniversary nobody believed it was real," he wrote. "We got married without nobody knowing because it was only between us and God! Now we have beautiful Kulture and a big family. I love you 4ever and after life. ❤❤❤"

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Cardi B and Offset's two years of marriage hasn't been a totally smooth ride. In 2018 the two split after a cheating scandal rocked their relationship, getting back together in early 2019.

BDAY LOVE

Paris Hilton mourns death of grandfather Barron Hilton

Hotelier and philanthropist Barron Hilton passed away this week, and his granddaughter, Paris Hilton, honored him with a very sweet tribute.

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"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my grandfather Barron Hilton," the heiress and reality star wrong alongside a collection of photos. "He was a Legend, a visionary, brilliant, handsome, kind and lived a life full of accomplishment and adventure."

"Ever since I was a little girl I have looked up to him as a businessman," the 38-year-old continued. "I feel so grateful to have had such an incredible mentor. I always wanted to make him proud. The last conversation we had a few days ago I told him how much of an impact he had on my life. His spirit, heart and legacy will live on in me."

According to a press release from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the 91-year-old passed away due to natural causes at his Los Angeles home on Thursday. He is survived by his eight children, 15 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In another post, she also honored her late grandmother, opening up about their heartwarming relationship.

"So sad to have lost my grandfather but it makes me happy to know that he is in Heaven now with his soulmate," she wrote. "My grandmother Marilyn was one of the most beautiful women inside and out. She was charismatic, fun, full of life, and had a heart of gold."

"They were high school sweethearts who married and had 8 children. They lived an amazing, loving and exciting life together," she continued. "They were one of those rare couples that were meant to be. Their love, loyalty, dedication and life together has always been such an inspiration to me. I miss them both so much and will always be grateful to have witnessed such a pure true love. Love you Nanu and Papa forever."

BDAY LOVE

Joe Giudice's request to be released from ICE custody has been denied

Joe Giudice's petition to be released from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment center has been denied.

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A judge ruled that the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star could not return to his home and reunite with his family — which includes wife, Teresa Giudice, and their daughters, Gia, Gabriella, Milania and Audriana — temporarily before the court's final decision in his case.

"Joe is extremely disappointed," James J. Leonard, his family attorney told People. "He spent the last six months in a cage not able to hug or kiss his wife or daughters when they came to visit him. We treat animals in shelters better than we treat human beings in these ICE facilities."

Joe, a native Italian, was released from prison in March. He completed a 41-month sentence for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud. However, because of an October decision by an immigration court to deport him back to his homeland after he completed his time served, he wasn't able to return home to his family. He was placed in the custody of ICE at the Clinton County Correctional Facility in neighboring Pennsylvania. He has appealed the deportation decision several times, each being denied. A final appeal is still pending.

According to a recent report, Joe has lost 50 pounds in recent months and wants to compete in mixed martial arts after his release. "He's a trained martial artist," a source told the New York Post's gossip section. "He wants to compete and he wants to compete now, in not martial arts, but mixed martial arts."

BDAY LOVE

Madonna shocks fans on first night of 'Madame X' tour

Madonna is 61 years old, and still knows how to put on a scandalous show!

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On the first night of her Madame X tour at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the legendary pop star seriously dropped jaws by simulating sex acts, making fun of President Trump's manhood and even allowing her 7-year-old twins to swear in front of the audience.

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According to The Sun, who dubbed the performance "Madame X-rated," the singer was late to hit the stage at 10:30 pm and was drinking beer.

In between performing 23 songs like "Papa Don't Preach" and "Like a Virgin" she put on a raunchy performance. First, she pretended to "perform a sex act on herself." She also played comedienne. "What do you call a man with a small penis?" she asked the crowd, before answering, "Donald Trump."

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She made it a point to advocate the "Me too" campaign while her twin daughters, Esther and Stella, were on the stage. The children went on to chant, "You're not my bi—h."

The singer has a no-phone policy during her shows on the tour. "I ♥️Looking into the audience and not seeing Iphone's and cameras flashing but instead-eyes, smiles and happy human faces," the singer wrote on Instagram earlier this week. "However I am mystified and confused by some people who insist on sneaking in second cameras and disregarding my request to not record the show. This request is common at all Broadway shows, dance concerts, stand up Comedy and the Opera. People who ignore my request are not allowing themselves to enjoy The show completely but also show a lack of respect and consideration for my wishes. If you can't live without your phone for 2 hours-this Experience is not for you."

BDAY LOVE

A lawsuit is 'almost certain' in Kevin Hart car crash

Kevin Hart is likely to be slapped with a lawsuit following the Sept 1 car crash involving his vintage car.

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Sources close to the situation tell TMZ that Kevin and the two other people in his car – the driver, who sustained serious neck and back injuries – as well as the other backseat passenger — have all lawyered up.

While Kevin wasn't behind the wheel of the car, his 1970 Plymouth Barracuda did not have safety harnesses or airbags. This could constitute negligence, according to the website.

But Kevin isn't the only person who could be on the hook. After the California Highway Patrol's investigation, the driver could also be responsible as well as the company who customized the classic car. According to TMZ, "the company is the expert and even if Kevin wanted a custom job without safety harnesses, the company should have refused the job because it wasn't safe … especially with a powerful, 720 horsepower engine."

They also claim that law enforcement sources have revealed to them the CHP may lobby the California State Legislature in order to prohibit custom car companies from rebuilding cars without harnesses … whether the customer wants them or not.

In better news, Kevin returned back home this week, is walking again and immersed in physical therapy. A source previously told the webloid that the actor "a new perspective on life" and is "grateful" and "shocked" that he is alive.

BDAY LOVE

Jennifer Garner and John Miller step out for a date night, plus more news

BDAY LOVE

Lindsay Lohan apparently had a boyfriend, but they've now split

Lindsay Lohan is suddenly single after breaking up with her boyfriend.

Wait, Lilo was in a relationship? Apparently yes.

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While speaking to KIIS 1065's Kyle & Jackie O Show, the "Mean Girls" actress spoke candidly about her suddenly new relationship status.

"Actually, I was seeing someone and we broke up today," she said. "You wouldn't even know who he was but I had a bit of a day."

The radio hosts, seemingly surprised by the news, asked if her now-former beau was a royal in Dubai, as previous reports had linked her to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince.

"Clearly he wasn't a [royal] because I let him go first," she zinged.

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The unexpected relationship update comes a week after Lindsay tried to flirt with newly-single Liam Hemsworth.

Last week, E! News posted a pic of Liam and Chris Hemsworth in Australia to its Instagram alongside the caption, "It's an age old debate: Chris or Liam Hemsworth? GO!"

Lindsay was quick to respond, "Why didn't we meet in sydney or bondi?!"

Someone is clearly single and ready to mingle!

For what it's worth, Lindsay is currently in Australia filming "The Masked Singer." Liam is from Australia.

BDAY LOVE

Demi Moore and Courteney Cox are twinning in throwback pic

Talk about twinning!

On Thursday, Demi Moore reached into the vault to share a throwback image of her with "Friends" star Courteney Cox. In the image, the women look nearly identical.

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"Who's who," Demi, 56, captioned the snap.

In the image, both women don black-rimmed eyeglasses that match their long dark hair. Courteney, 55, rocks an all black ensemble, while Demi sports denim overalls with a black turtleneck underneath.

"Haha! I'll have to send you a pic that I was even confused by," Courteney commented.

The image was initially taken in 2016 at the Superga Xo Jennifer Meyer Collection launch at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.

Fans loved Demi's post, as many noted the similarities in the women's appearances.

The social media post comes as Demi is set to release her new memoir "Inside Out," in which she addresses everything from to her sexual relationship with ex-husband Ashton Kutcher, to a miscarriage she suffered in the early 2000s.

Courteney, meanwhile, has been celebrating the 25th anniversary of the beloved sitcom "Friends."

On Thursday, the "Cougar Town" star posted an image of the "Friends" cast.

"Celebrating a Thursday night 25 years ago. Thank you to all of our loyal fans across the world," she wrote alongside the image. "You've certainly been there for us!"

BDAY LOVE

Kevin Hart back home, 'shocked' to be alive after car crash

Kevin Hart can't believe he's alive following the horrific car crash he was involved in on Sept. 1.

A source tells TMZ that the funnyman has now seen photographs of the wreckage, and he's "grateful" and "shocked" that he made it out. Of course, that's not to say that Kevin made it out unscathed, as he required surgery for three spinal fractures.

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The actor remained hospitalized for 10 days before being transferred to an inpatient facility to begin grueling physical therapy. He is now back home, TMZ said, and a physical therapist is coming to his house.

Kevin has "a new perspective on life," a source tells the webloid.

"He really cherishes the fact that he's alive, and wants to make the most of it in every respect," the source said. "The crash had a huge impact on him."

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The focus, for now, is simply getting better. Under the watchful eye of the physical therapist, Kevin is doing a lot of stretches and exercises with therapy bands, and he's no longer on heavy medication. TMZ is quick to point out that Kevin isn't concerned about the accident affecting his career since he didn't have a lot on plate when his classic car flew into a ditch near his Los Angeles home.

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Just before Kevin was released from the hospital, his pal Dwayne Johnson gave an update on the comedian's condition, saying he was "good."

"I love the guy, he's one of my best friends," Dwayne told Kelly Clarkson. "And honestly, I mean, thank God, it could've been a lot worse. So, he's a lucky man, and he knows it too. I wish him the best and a speedy recovery and I'm gonna see him soon."

BDAY LOVE

Dog The Bounty Hunter hospitalized and more ICYMI news

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ICYMI: The week in TV for Sept. 15-21, 2019

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ICYMI: The week in music for Sept. 15-21, 2019

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Kit Harington rides his bike in London, plus more 2019 Emmy nominees out and about

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'The Voice' coaches ranked

BDAY LOVE

Life after 'The Voice': Where are the winners now?

BDAY LOVE

Week in celebrity photos for Sept. 16-20, 2019

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Sharon Osbourne rips Wendy Williams, say she's 'so dark inside'

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Sharon Osbourne laid into fellow talk show host Wendy Williams for her conspiracy theory that Christie Brinkley faked her wrist injury on "Dancing With The Stars."

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"I have to go in on Wendy on this because not so long ago, Wendy was not in a very good place," Sharon said on "The Talk" on Thursday, referring to her divorce and admission that she was living in a sober house. "She had so many well wishes from other people that she had run over the coals, so to speak. And everyone was behind her, wishing her well, sending out positive vibes.

"Why is it, no matter what this woman goes through in her life, her ups and downs, which we all do, but obviously hers were more public," Sharon continued, "and the thing is nobody gave her a hard time. It was just love, support to her."

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Sharon, 66, insinuated that Wendy doesn't do the same for others when they're down, citing Christie's injury.

"Why does she have to be so mean?," Sharon wondered. "What is it within you that is so dark that you can't seem to get it out when the world shows you love and wishes you well on the rest of your journey of your life, you are so dark inside, so mean constantly."

The former "Osbournes" reality TV star said she feels bad for Wendy and people who, according to her, "have this anger, this nastiness inside them."

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Christie later appeared on "The Talk" and addressed the host of "The Wendy Williams Show."

"[Wendy] started this rumor, which was stunning to me, because I had been on her show a few times and, for some reason, she liked me, and she would call on me and support on her in tough times," Christie said. "I thought it was a mistake when someone told me this [Wendy starting rumor]."

Asked what she wants to say to Wendy now, Christie said, "It's so much more fun to be kind. Try it. I say it to all the people — it can't feel good to try and hurt other people. If it feels good, something is seriously wrong. Love more – especially now."

BDAY LOVE

Blake Lively questions her life choices in latest Ryan Reynolds troll post, plus more news

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Moby shows off his new statement neck tattoo — See the ink

Moby is really sticking his neck out there when it comes to his plant-based diet.

Earlier this week, the singer debuted his newest and most notable tattoo, which he got on his neck.

"VEGAN FOR LIFE," the tattoo, done by fellow vegan and famed tattoo artist Kat Von D, reads.

"I've been a vegan for almost 32 years, so getting this tattoo seemed like a pretty safe bet," he captioned his Instagram photo. "Also, working for animal rights and animal liberation is my life's work. And to state the obvious, it's a double entendre."

The producer took his new ink out for a spin afterward, showing it off on the red carpet for the Mercy For Animals 20th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles. In addition to his statement tattoo, Moby also wore a T-shirt critical of McDonald's.

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Fellow vegans praised Moby for the tattoo and his commitment to living meat-free.

"Love you, Moby!," Kat wrote.

Punk rock icon Toby Morse commented, "Hardest Neck Tat Ever on the Sweetest Human!!"

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In a 2014 opinion piece in Rolling Stone, Moby opened up about his decision to go vegan in 1987, which began after he looked at his rescued cat Tucker.

"I love this cat. I would do anything to protect him and make him happy and keep him from harm. He has four legs and two eyes and an amazing brain and an incredibly rich emotional life. I would never in a trillion years think of hurting this cat," he said. "So why am I eating other animals who have four (or two) legs, two eyes, amazing brains, and rich emotional lives?"

BDAY LOVE

Sarah Hyland told fiance exactly what engagement ring to buy

Sarah Hyland admitted that she had seen her exact engagement ring before her beau Wells Adams popped the question over the summer.

The "Modern Family" actress dropped the news while speaking to Dax Shepard while he filled in for Ellen DeGeneres on her show on Thursday.

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While Dax admired the jewelry, he noted the Wells had "great taste."

"Thanks, I told him what to get," she said, as the studio audience cheered.

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Afterward, bauble on hand, Sarah dished on how she met the reality TV veteran and soon-to-be husband.

"I saw him on 'The Bachelorette,'" she said. "And then he became the bartender on 'Bachelor in Paradise,' and I was like yeah, uh-huh… I thought he was real hot and then he slid in those DM's because I tweeted about him."

On July 16, Sarah and Wells both announced on social media that they had gotten engaged in Fiji.

Afterward, Wells spoke about the engagement on his podcast, "Your Favorite Things," saying Sarah knew a proposal was imminent. While Wells said he was certainly happy to be engaged, he was also thrilled to no longer have to lug that ring around.

"Guys, for the most part, are not used to having expensive pieces of jewelry around them," he said. "So, it freaks us out just in general. Also, for me, we were traveling across the ocean, so that's even more stress of like, 'What happens if someone steals my bag or something?' Everyone is like, 'Are you so happy?' And I was so happy but I'm also so happy I'm not in charge of that very nice ring. There's too much pressure!"

BDAY LOVE

'Happy Days' cast: Where are they now?