James Corden seen for the first time since backlash over his Friends reunion presenting stint 

He faced criticism from Friends fans on Thursday as they questioned why he was appointed as host of the special reunion show.

And James Corden was seen for the first time since the backlash, as he stocked up on treats at gourmet food store Wally’s in Beverly Hills on Friday.

The TV presenter, 42, kept his look casual in a navy jumper and blue jeans as he left the store laden with green shopping bags.

Why so serious? James Corden was seen for the first time since the backlash, as he stocked up on treats at gourmet food store Wally’s in Beverly Hills on Friday

James paired his dressed down look with white trainers, while much of his face was concealed by a black mask. 

The Gavin and Stacey star furrowed his brow as he made his way down the street following his visit to the store.

James’ outing comes after Friends fans took to social media to question why the British presenter was picked for the coveted role, with some suggested that an American star should have landed the gig.

This comes as MailOnline also reports that James was the number-one choice by all six of the show’s cast members to host the reunion, which saw the stars look back at some of the sitcom’s most iconic moments.

Out and about: The TV presenter, 42, kept his look casual in a navy jumper and blue jeans as he left the store laden with green shopping bags

Out and about: The TV presenter, 42, kept his look casual in a navy jumper and blue jeans as he left the store laden with green shopping bags

James appeared as host when the cast made their way to the show’s iconic brown sofa, placed in front of a replica of the famous fountain that appeared in the opening credits. 

Courteney Cox (Monica Gellar), Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay) and David Schwimmer (Ross Gellar) all returned to the sitcom’s original set for the show.

Admitting it would hard to hear the stars during the interview, James proceeded to stand up and turn off the fountain, before chatting to the cast about some of Friends’ most iconic moments. 

Why him? James Corden's stint as host of the much-anticipated Friends Reunion special left many viewers baffled on Thursday

Why him? James Corden’s stint as host of the much-anticipated Friends Reunion special left many viewers baffled on Thursday

Bewildered: After tuning into the one-off special, fans took to social media to question why the British presenter was picked for the coveted role

Bewildered: After tuning into the one-off special, fans took to social media to question why the British presenter was picked for the coveted role

However James’ appointment as host puzzled some viewers, who flooded social media with questions including why the special even needed a host, and why they didn’t choose an American presenter.

Others suggested that former recurring star Paul Rudd, who did not appear in the special, could have been host, with some fans also stating Conan O’Brien or Andy Cohen could have been good choices.

One wrote: ‘Please don’t text, really mad about James Corden hosting the Friends reunion,’ while another added: ‘Stop putting James Corden on my screen.’

Top pick: This comes as MailOnline also reports that James was the number-one choice by all six of the show's cast members to host the reunion

Top pick: This comes as MailOnline also reports that James was the number-one choice by all six of the show’s cast members to host the reunion

Nostalgic: James appeared as host alongside the show's stars (L-R) Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc

Nostalgic: James appeared as host alongside the show’s stars (L-R) Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc

A third penned: ‘I mean I love James Corden, and he did an okay job, but he’s much better on his own show.’

One viewer also tweeted: ‘Why oh why did they get James Corden to host the Friends reunion.’

With a disgruntled fan also tweeting: ‘The #FriendsReunion really didn’t need James Corden. Talk about tainting a good thing.’ 

‘The #FriendsReunion really didn’t need James Corden. Talk about tainting a good thing,’ with one fan also tweeting: ‘I was looking forward to the #FriendsReunion until I found out James Corden was hosting.’

A fan added: ‘Been so excited for the Friends reunion and then James Corden shows up… why is he everywhere?’

‘So watched the Friends reunion and it’s about 60% good but Lady Gaga and James Corden ruined it.’

Odd option: James' appointment as host puzzled some viewers, who flooded social media with questions including why the special even needed a host

Odd option: James’ appointment as host puzzled some viewers, who flooded social media with questions including why the special even needed a host

Others were quick to suggest that an American star should have hosted the special, given it was about a US sitcom set in New York with a wholly Stateside cast.

One said: ‘James Corden British accent sooo,’ while another added: ‘James Corden is British. He shouldn’t be hosting this.’

Clearly passionate about the show, one fan added: ‘HELP OPENED UP THE FRIENDS REUNION AND WHEN I SAY I GOT HELLA CONFUSED HEADING THAT JAMES CORDEN ACCENT I KFKDK WHAT HE DOING YHERR.’ 

Ideas: Others were quick to suggest that an American star should have hosted the special, given it was about a US sitcom set in New York with a wholly Stateside cast

Ideas: Others were quick to suggest that an American star should have hosted the special, given it was about a US sitcom set in New York with a wholly Stateside cast

Some stated that the reunion wasn’t wholly in need of a host, and could have sufficed with simply the Friends cast discussing the show amongst themselves. 

It came after the highly-anticipated Friends reunion was branded ‘bloated’ and jammed with ‘tiresome filler’ by critics. 

James was  widely-panned for his interview with the show’s stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry, with one slamming his ‘banal’ questions. 

While the nostalgic element has been called upon and praised by experts, the lack of awareness towards the more problematic nature of the show set tongues wagging as well as James’ appearance as host. 

'Banal': It came after the highly-anticipated Friends reunion was branded 'bloated' and jammed with 'tiresome filler' by critics

‘Banal’: It came after the highly-anticipated Friends reunion was branded ‘bloated’ and jammed with ‘tiresome filler’ by critics