Who plays Emily (Ross's ex wife) on "Friends"?

Helen Baxendale plays Emily Waltham, Ross Geller’s ex-wife, on Friends. Emily is introduced as an English relative of Rachel Green’s employer, Mr. Waltham, and quickly begins a romantic relationship with Ross. Their fast-moving romance leads to a wedding in London during the fourth-season finale.

The marriage becomes one of the series’ major turning points when Ross accidentally says Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s during the wedding vows. Although Emily initially goes through with the ceremony, the humiliation and Ross’s continuing connection with Rachel destroy their relationship. Emily eventually ends the marriage after Ross refuses to cut Rachel out of his life.

Baxendale appeared in 14 Friends episodes across the fourth and fifth seasons. Emily was originally intended to remain more prominent, but Baxendale’s pregnancy and her life in the United Kingdom made regular production in the United States difficult. The character therefore became a recurring off-screen presence rather than another long-term member of the ensemble. Baxendale is also known for the British comedy-drama Cold Feet.