Jennifer Aniston has been reunited with Friends child star Mae Whitman for the first time in almost 30 years.

Mae was eight years old when she appeared on the hugely popular show in December 1996, playing the girl scout who Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) accidently knocked down the stairs.

Now 34, she recalled how Jennifer, who played fan favourite Rachel Green, had made her feel welcome on set and she was eager to give the actress a big hug.

The pair appeared as guests on the latest episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan are were lost for words when they bumped into one another.

Mae recalled: "I was on Friends. I played the girl that gets knocked down the stairs with the Girl Scout cookies."

Jennifer and Mae hadn't seen each other for almost 30 years (Image: Instagram)

Mae appeared on the latest episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan (Image: Instagram)

Jennifer replied: "Oh my God," before Mae thanked her for being so kind to her when she was a youngster.

"I just wanted to say hi because you were so kind to me. It was my favourite show and you really made me feel like I was a part of the cast.

"And you were so kind and you hugged me. Thank you. It's always stayed with me," she said.

Jennifer said: "I'm so glad you're good," before Mae added: "It's so nice to see you. You're amazing."

The pair then hugged before Jennifer left.

She was just eight years old when she guest starred in Friends (Image: Warner Bros.)

Mae then explained to Kelly and Ryan: "I'm 8 years old, I think. And I got a call that I was cast on Friends, and it was my favourite show at the time.

"Why an 8-year-old loved Friends, I can't tell you, but I found something relatable in there.

"And I remember Jen was so kind to me, she made me feel like I was part of the cast and she took such good care of me, and I wept hysterically when I wrapped."

She added: "And I made her a Christmas ornament with her name on it.

"That was the first time I've seen her. That was a big reunion. That felt amazing to see her. She's so cool. Such a cool person. The universe has its ways."