Le Blanc tells Friends to stay away

Matt Le Blanc has asked his Friends pals to stay off-camera for the first series of his spin-off sitcom Joey because he wants to prove he can make it alone.

The actor's Central Perk pals have all offered to play cameos in Le Blanc's debut season, but he doesn't want them around.

He says: "They've all said they're open to coming, but it doesn't feel right right now. I don't want it to seem like somebody came in and propped us up."

The only exception is David Schwimmer, who will direct an episode of his former co-star's new show.