Don't snub Matthew at the Oscars... it was his dream

Ex-girlfriend also calls for a new probe into Friends star's death

- TOM BRYANT

MATTHEW Perry's ex-girlfriend has called for a tribute to be paid to the Friends star at tomorrow night's Oscars, saying it was his "dream" to be recognised at the ceremony.

Kayti Edwards, his former assistant, urged executives not to snub the late actor like the BAFTAs did last month.

She also wants police to re-open the investigation into his death, believing a rogue medic could have been behind a dose of ketamine found in his system after he died at home in his hot tub aged 54 last October.

In an exclusive interview before the Academy Awards ceremony, Kayti said Matthew should be acknowledged in its five-minute In Memoriam section.

Kayti, 47, who dated the late actor in 2006 but remained friends with him up until his death, says: "I know that it would mean a lot for him to be honoured at the Oscars in some way.

"I remember talking to him about how it was always his dream to be recognised, and not just for Friends.

"He was always aware of the sad reality that Friends got tons of awards but personally I don't think he got one."

Matthew's movie credits included 17 Again with Zac Efron, The Whole Nine Yards with Bruce Willis and Fools Rush In with Salma Hayek.

The Oscars' tribute section, which is accompanied by a live singer, is kept under wraps until Sunday night.