[mcginn]

some good news for all Friends fan out there.
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news from digital spy

The new series of Friends will premiere on Channel 4 just one day after its first E4 showing, it was announced today.

New series of US imports traditionally air on pay-TV channels first, with a six-month delay before they get a terrestrial outing. Channel 4 has decided to remove the delay for what is most likely to be the final series of Friends, however, in a move which it says is "sure to delight millions of UK viewers."

"As this could be the final series for the global hit, it is guaranteed to be filled with surprises and suspense. We thought it would be unfair to keep the millions of fans waiting six months to see what happens in the end," said June Dromgoole, C4 controller of programme acquisition.

"Friends has become one of the most popular sitcoms in the world and a benchmark for comedy writing. Channel 4 takes great pride in the effort and investment we have made in making Friends into such a valuable and admired series in the UK."

The ninth series premieres on Thursday 9 January on E4.
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Its a shame it maybe the last series