MATT LEBLANC TO LAUNCH 'FRIENDS'-LESS SOLO SPIN-OFF

July 24, 2003Jul 24, 2003, 11:00 PM GMT+1

With the twilight of the decade-long run of hit sitcom Friends on the horizon, it's been confirmed one member of the ensemble cast will be forging ahead on his own.

Actor Matt LeBlanc, who plays loveable dim-wit Joey Tribbiani on the popular show, will star in his own Friends spin-off, which will fill its predecessor's Thursday night spot on the US TV lineup starting in autumn 2004.

The half-hour programme, entitled Joey, is network NBC's first such project since Frasier sprouted off from Cheers eleven years ago.

"Matt is thrilled," said a spokesperson for the actor. "Over the last couple of seasons, Joey has grown into such a rich character."

Joey will see the spirit of Friends taken "in a new direction that will keep it fresh," said NBC programming chief Jeff Zucker. "Joey Tribbiani has come into his own in recent years on the series, and Joey's progression will continue as he emerges more on his own. We know that everyone will be rooting for him."

Friends will be coming to an end in May of next year as it wraps up its tenth series.

The actor, who has played Joey Tribbiani on Friends for a decade, will be taking the character to a new half-hour comedy series

The new series, Joey will begin airing in autumn 2004, after its popular predecessor comes to an end

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