Jimmy Fallon praised for quick-thinking response in interview with Anne Hathaway that took an uncomfortable turn

TV talk show interviews can often be quite uncomfortable, with some pretty awkward moments going viral over the years.

The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon is certainly one that's been full of uncomfortable moments, with one featuring Anne Hathaway earlier this year springing to mind.

Back in April, the Les Misérables actor joined Fallon on the sofa ahead of the release of her latest movie, The Idea of You.

In the flick, Hathaway stars 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 (played by Nicholas Galitzine).

The movie was reviewed pretty well, sitting at an impressive 81 percent Rotten Tomatoes score to this day.

Alejandra Martinez, from The Wrap, penned: "Galitzine and Hathaway anchor the film and their chemistry is palpable, making every touch feel electric."

Based on the 2017 novel of the same name written by Robinne Lee, The Idea of You certainly has a cult following.

And it was while discussing the film's basis that Hathaway's chat with Fallon took a more than awkward turn.

The film was well-received (Prime Video)

During an 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?"

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."

It was certainly an awkward moment (NBC)

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 was praised online by viewers.

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

Another added: "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."

And 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."