Jimmy Fallon praised for quick-thinking response after Anne Hathaway interview took an uncomfortable turn

Anne Hathaway's appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon took an awkward turn and the host has been praise for his response.

On Monday (29 April), Hathaway took to the sofa on Fallon's late-night chat show ahead of the release of her latest movie The Idea of You. Prepare to feel your skin prickle because of the awkwardness:

The Idea of You stars Hathaway as Solène Marchand, a single 40-year-old mom who becomes romantically involved with 24-year-old lead singer of a boy band Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine).

The film - released on Amazon Prime Video today (2 May) - is based on a novel of the same name written by Robinne Lee.

And it was in discussing the movie's basis which is when Hathaway's chat with Fallon took a more than awkward turn.

On Monday's episode of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Hathaway reflected on a moment during the filming of the movie with a quick question for the audience thrown in to try and add some context.

She said: "Has anybody here read the book?"

The Idea of You is based on a book of the same name. (Amazon Prime Video)

However, rather than being met with cheers of agreement, any sort of answer or even just some awkward tittering laughter, you could 'hear a pin drop'. Hathaway could be seen widening her eyes, her hand flying to her mouth and quickly looking down as the awkwardness grew.

Thankfully, Fallon swooped in to save the day, responding: "No, we don’t read. This is The Tonight Show. You want to go to Stephen Colbert if you want to get people to read books. Lame! We do audible here."

The actor and the audience similarly dissolved into laughter before carrying on with the show, although not without Hathaway noting the book is 'fabulous' but joking back: "What's a book?"

Fallon's quick-thinking and Hathaway's dealing with the moment has since been praised online by viewers.

Hathaway looked taken aback by the response - or more the lack of - from the audience. (NBC/The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon)

One X user said: "Jimmy actually was a great host in this situation!"

"Don’t always love him as a host, but I totally agree! Moments like this really showcase the years of experience he has and why he got the job in the first place," another responded.

A third wrote: "This is seriously so funny I can’t stop thinking about it. Anne is fighting for her life up there and handling it like a pro."

And a fourth resolved: "Great save by Fallon."