Why Helen got Cold Feet about TV return

AS THE old friends were reunited on ITV’s Cold Feet last night after 13 years, one familiar face was conspicuous by her absence.

Producers failed to persuade Helen Baxendale (pictured), whose character Rachel died in a car crash, to return to the comedy drama as a ghost. Scriptwriter Mike Bullen admits: ‘She said: “Thanks, but no thanks. It’s a c**p part.” She made the right decision.’

Yesterday, Helen, 46, was seen walking in the rain near her home in Richmond, SouthWest London, wearing a patterned blue dress, hoodie and anorak.

The star, who played Ross Geller’s partner in Friends, has spurned lucrative acting offers so she can focus on her family.

She lives with director David Williams and their children, Nell Marmalade, 17, Eric Mustard, 14, and Vincent Mash, nine.

‘I’ve had my taste of huge fame and it was OK, but I’m an actress, not a celebrity,’ Helen has said. ‘I was working constantly and feeling so guilty that I wasn’t at home. I have absolutely no regrets.’