Friends fans 'find source' of Matt LeBlanc's 'you owe me 20 bucks' joke in Matthew Perry tribute

Eagle-eyed fans of hit 90s sitcom Friends may have figured out the source of the joke in Matt LeBlanc's tribute to his late co-star, Matthew Perry.

LeBlanc joined his co-stars in paying tribute to the late Matthew Perry this week, who was sadly found dead in his hot tub on 28 October.

LeBlanc - who played Joey Tribbiani, the best friend of Perry's Chandler Bing - wrote on Instagram this week: "Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.

"It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never.

"Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love."

He then concluded by adding in a joke, saying: "And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."

Well, eagle-eyed fans now believe that they have found the source for this particular remark.

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

A big theory is that it is a reference to a running joke in the series that Joey always seems to owe Chandler money, with Perry's character constantly bailing him out and covering their rent.

One episode which has a big moment for this was The One With the Kips, which first aired on 29 October, 1998.

A fan posted a clip from the episode, saying: "They really were Joey and Chandler."

The clip starts with Monica falsely accusing Chandler of stealing $20 from her purse in a bid to cover up their then-secret relationship.

Joey looks absolutely horrified, and then says: "You know what, now that I think about it, I constantly find myself without twenties, and you always have lots."

Warner Bros.

With Joey constantly owing money to Chandler being a common theme in the series, the irony of LeBlanc's line in this episode is pretty hilarious.

So it was a fitting tribute for LeBlanc to add as a way to say goodbye to Perry.

The five co-stars of Friends posted a joint statement shortly after Perry's death was first announced.

They said: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.

"There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.

Ron Davis/Getty Images

"In time we will say more, as and when we are able.

"For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

LeBlanc was alongside Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow at Perry's funeral earlier this month.

Perry had previously opened up about his struggle with addiction, and publicly spoke up about his journey.

Police confirmed that there was no evidence of drugs at the scene where he passed away.