David Schwimmer reveals new details about long-awaited 'Friends' reunion special

Parts of the show will be filmed outside because of Covid-safety protocols

Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Matt Le Blanc as Joey Tribbiani and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay in 'Friends'. Courtesy NBCShow less

David Schwimmer has confirmed the news all Friends fans have been waiting for – the reunion special will begin filming next month.

It was confirmed last year that the six main actors – Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow – of the beloved 1990s sitcom would reunite for a one-off special, which will be in a talk show format, with a few surprises thrown in.

In an interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, Schwimmer offered a few more details. "In a little over a month, I'm heading out to LA," the actor said. "So, finally ... we figured out a way, I think, to film it safely and there's going to be a portion of it that we film outside because of, you know, safety protocols."

While he didn’t reveal who would be hosting the special, he did say who wouldn’t be. “I don't know if I can [say], actually," said Schwimmer. "I should have found that out. I apologise. I can tell you it's not Ellen [DeGeneres], it's not Billy Crystal. Andy, is it you?" To which the host replied: "Oh, my God, I wish it was!"

The special was scheduled to be filmed in 2020, but was delayed because of the pandemic. Speaking in January, Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay on the show, revealed the special would be “worth the wait”.

"There are other things in it," she told Digital Spy, adding: "There are other things to it; things I shouldn't really talk about because they should be good – but those things can't happen [right now]."

The original show, which became one of the most popular comedy series of all time, wrapped in 2004 after 10 seasons. The finale was watched by more than 52.5 million households worldwide.