ITV's new thriller The Dark has debuted, and a Friends legend is making headlines for her unrecognisable transformation. Helen Baxendale, best known for playing Ross Gellar's ill-fated wife Emily Waltham in the iconic 1990s sitcom, stars as Bethany Morgan in the six-part crime drama.
Plot and Premise
Based on GR Halliday's novel From the Shadows, The Dark premiered on Sunday, July 13, 2026, delving into a chilling cat-and-mouse hunt for a sinister serial killer. After the discovery of a young man's body in the Scottish Highlands, Detective Monica Kennedy (Laura Donnelly) becomes consumed by her determination to track down the killer.
During her investigation, she encounters mum Bethany Morgan, left deeply shaken after Kennedy "appears on her doorstep once again with a case linked to her missing son". Despite the harrowing nature of Bethany's role, Friends fans will immediately recognise the actress behind the character.
Baxendale's Transformation
Baxendale has undergone a dramatic transformation for The Dark, ditching her sleek bob from Friends in favour of wavy locks and a makeup-free appearance. Promotional images show her brandishing a shotgun, raising questions about whether her character could be capable of cold-blooded murder.
Beyond The Dark and Friends, Baxendale is known for roles as Rachel Bradley in the sitcom Cold Feet alongside James Nesbitt, and Dr Claire Maitland in the BBC medical drama Cardiac Arrest.
Broadcast Details
The Dark returns for its second episode on Monday, July 13, 2026, on ITV, though fans will need patience before the third instalment. The six-part crime thriller airs every Sunday and Monday, meaning the third episode lands on Sunday, July 19. The series is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.
