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Viewers have blasted Hollywood actor Adam Sandler after he kept touching British actress Claire Foy’s knee during Friday night’s Graham Norton show.

The star of Netflix series The Crown appeared to be squirming as the US comic repeatedly rested his hand on her lower thigh during the BBC One chat programme.

Actress Emma Thompson, who was also on the guest sofa along with Cara Delevingne, appeared unimpressed as she watched the actor.

It comes after a wave of women have spoken about sexual harassment and assault in all areas of public life, sparked by the string of allegations which emerged against Harvey Weinstein.

Married father Sandler, 51, known for comedy films including Big Daddy, 50 First Dates and The Wedding Singer, appeared unaware of the reaction of Foy, 33.

Clips from the show sees Sandler resting his hand on Foy’s thigh as the award-winning actress pats him, before he puts his hand back and she fidgets awkwardly before trying to brush him away.

Scores of people remarked on what happened on social media, saying the actress appeared "uncomfortable".

“Adam Sandler has no social awareness of how awkward he seemed to be making Emma Thompson and Claire Foy," said Michelle Marsh online.

Twitter user Emily Ward said: “Adam Sandler touching Claire Foy’s knee for no reason, she puts his hand back, he then does it again, she looks rightly p***** off.”

Graham Thompson added: “Claire Foy was not up for being pet by Adam Sandler. Quite right too!”

Movie producer Weinstein was sacked from his own company in early October after the New York Times published allegations of rape from several women, with a flood of more allegations in its wake. The mogul denies all claims of non-consensual sex.

Emma Thompson joined the voices condemning Harvey Weinstein following his alleged misconduct, calling him a “predator”.

Many high-profile women have been sharing their experiences of sexual harassment in past weeks, with the hashtag #metoo spreading across the internet rapidly.

According to the Mail, a spokesman for actor Sandler called his behaviour towards Foy as a “friendly gesture”. The Anger Management star reportedly also made similar gestures to Dustin Hoffman on the Jimmy Fallon show.