Awkward Sylvia gives hubby’s book to Michael Bolton, Today

 On Tuesday, Today presenter Sylvia Jeffreys derailed her exclusive interview with pop icon Michael Bolton for a shameless plug of her husband’s book.

The 64-year-old was in the middle of a story about the warm reception he received when he last toured Sydney, when Sylvia, 31, cut his anecdote short.

 ‘That’s just Aussie hospitality, you know!’ she said before he’d finished, immediately seguing into: ‘speaking of which, I have a gift for you on behalf of my husband [Peter Stefanovic]’

The journalist handed Michael a copy of ‘Hack in a Flak Jacket: Wars, riots and revolutions – dispatches from a foreign correspondent.’

‘Wow’ he replied, remaining polite, despite clearly being a bit confused and surprised.

Best known for love songs like ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,’ he appeared perplexed as to why he was handed a book documenting ‘A startlingly honest account of experiencing war and terrorism from the frontline’

 ‘He wrote a book and wanted you to have it, given your love of the written word,’ Sylvia continued.

His look says it all! The 64-year-old was in the middle of a story about the warm reception he received when he last toured Sydney, when Sylvia, 31, cut his anecdote short

Awkward! ‘That’s just Aussie hospitality, you know!’ she said before he’d finished, immediately seguing into: ‘speaking of which, I have a gift for you on behalf of my husband [Peter Stefanovic]’

‘But if you will tell me you will read it, I probably won’t believe you.’

Michael then opened the book to somewhere in the middle, adding: ‘Hold on a second, I’ve done this new speed reading thing.’

He looked at the page for a second or two, and then closed the book: ‘Oh that’s amazing, that’s fantastic,’ he said, jokingly acting as if he’d read any.

He’s a pop singer! The singer appeared perplexed as to why he was handed a book documenting ‘A startlingly honest account of experiencing war and terrorism from the frontline by Peter Stefanovic’

‘Done? Sylvia replied, ‘what was the best part?’

 ‘The part where he escapes alive,’ Michael replied in a dry tone.

‘There is actually a part like that,’ so there you go!’ the Today presenter offered enthusiastically.

‘Love of the spoken word’: She explained she thought he’d like it’ given your love of the written word,’ adding: ‘But if you will tell me you will read it, I probably won’t believe you’

With an exaggerated eye roll, the singer quipped: ‘See, I’m psychic too!’

The broadcast then cut back to the studio, where Peter’s brother and Today co-host Karl was seen bent over the desk in laughter.

‘He said he read it, but I think he lied!’ A red-faced Sylvia explained, eventually drowned out by her brother-in-law’s bellowing laughter.

Cringe-worthy! He looked at the page for a second or two, and then closed the book: ‘Oh that’s amazing, that’s fantastic,’ he said, jokingly acting as if he’d read any

‘I can’t believe you did that!’ Karl offered.

 ‘I could have taken a guitar, but I can’t play guitar… I could have sung with him but you [gesturing to the audience] said “don’t sing again on national television,” so that’s all I had!’ she explained.

Doing his best not to laugh himself, baffled presenter Tim Gilbert offered: ‘Carpe Diem!’

‘I can’t believe you did that!’ The broadcast then cut back to the studio, where Peter’s brother and Today co-host Karl was seen bent over the desk in embarrassed laughter