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Friends fans weren't expecting to see this star in ITV's "terrifying" The Dark.

The Dark has arrived on ITV, but it's a Friends legend who is truly stealing the show.

Based on GR Halliday's novel From the Shadows, The Dark made its debut on Sunday, July 13, delving into a chilling cat-and-mouse hunt for a sinister serial killer.

After the discovery of a young man's body in the Scottish Highlands, Detective Monica Kennedy (Laura Donnelly) becomes consumed by her determination to track down the killer.

During her investigation, she encounters mum Bethany Morgan (Helen Baxendale), left deeply shaken after Kennedy "appears on her doorstep once again with a case linked to her missing son".

Despite the harrowing nature of Bethany's role in the story, Friends fans will immediately clock that she is portrayed by a star from the beloved 1990s sitcom.

Bethany Morgan in The Dark is brought to life by none other than Helen Baxendale herself.

She is best known for her role as Ross Gellar's (David Schwimmer) second wife Emily Waltham, appearing in seasons four and five of Friends.

Their ill-fated marriage famously collapsed after Ross mistakenly said Rachel Green's (Jennifer Aniston) name at the altar instead of Emily's on their wedding day.

Baxendale has undergone a dramatic transformation for The Dark, ditching her sleek bob in favour of wavy locks and a makeup free appearance.

Ahead of the series' launch, promotional images of Baxendale's Bethany have shown her brandishing a shotgun — but could she truly be capable of cold-blooded murder?

Beyond The Dark and Friends, Baxendale is best known for her roles as Rachel Bradly in the sitcom Cold Feet alongside James Nesbitt, and Dr Claire Maitland in the BBC medical drama Cardiac Arrest.

The Dark returns for its second episode tomorrow night, Monday, July 13, on ITV, though fans will need to exercise a little patience before the third instalment arrives.

The six-part crime thriller airs every Sunday and Monday, meaning the third episode is due to land on Sunday, July 19.

The Dark is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.

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