Olivia Colman mortified by comment from younger co-star while filming sex scene

Olivia Colman was left a little mortified by a comment made by her younger co-star while they were filming a sex scene together.

The Oscar-winning actress is no stranger to letting go and getting fully into character for her various big screen roles.

But even someone of her calibre has embarrassing work days.

Colman is set to appear on the upcoming New Year's Eve episode of The Graham Norton Show alongside Micheal Ward, her co-star for their upcoming romance drama Empire of Light.

Directed by Skyfall filmmaker Sam Mendes, the film is set in an English seaside town in the 1980s as a romance develops between Colman and Ward's characters in a beautiful old cinema.

Per the official synopsis: "Empire of Light is a compelling and poignant drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times."

Early reviews suggest there's a lot to be excited about, with both actors being praised for their performances.

But during one of the intimate scenes, things got a little awkward due to the age gap between Colman and Ward, who are 48 and 25 respectively.

Searchlight Pictures

When Norton asks if they were aware of the age difference on screen, she says: "There was one particular moment when I was astride Micheal in a compromising and slightly embarrassing situation and he said, 'It’s my mum’s birthday today.'

"When he said she was 43, I was like, 'OK, stop talking!'"

Of course, they powered through the awkwardness and it was all rather lighthearted - and, ultimately, they have nothing but praise for each other and their craft.

Discussing what it was like working with Colman, Ward says: "It was an amazing experience. It was incredible just to share the same space.

"I learnt so much about being a real person - everyone had a real sense of humanity.

"If Olivia had been rude I might have thought that’s how I need to be to reach a certain level of success, but the fact she is so lovely showed me I can be a good person and still be successful."

If you'd like to catch the pair making magic on the big screen, Empire of Light is set for a theatrical release on 9 January.

For more evidence that Colman keeps it real off screen, check out the time she admitted she couldn't look Paul Mescal in the eye after watching his steamy performance in Normal People.

The pair worked on set together as co-stars in The Lost Daughter, a recent drama movie and Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut.

Netflix

Despite being an Oscar-winning star, Colman told the Sun she was a 'bit giddy' when meeting Mescal on set for the first time.

"I was a huge fan from watching Normal People and I was a bit giddy," she said.

"I couldn't look him in the eyes when we first met. He's just so kind and nice and a good person. And he sings beautifully.

"He's just lovely. He's the nicest and loveliest. He loves his family and he's so brilliant in what he does. His work is beautiful."