Dame Julie Roberts provided Anne Hathaway with a shoulder to cry on before she decided to part ways with her boyfriend Raffaello Follieri, according to reports.

The Get Smart star separated from the Italian businessman last month, shortly before he was arrested on suspicion of fraud.

And Hathaway, who shot to stardom as Andrews' granddaughter in the 2001 film The Princess Diaries, allegedly ran to the legendary actress to seek advice before finally ending the romance.

She decided to take action because she was so distraught over the potential effects Follieri's actions could have on her career.

A source tells The Globe: "Julie was a mentor to Anne early in her career and the younger actress respected her opinion and her distance from the personalities involved... In the end Julie told Anne she 'had to do what's best for her'".

Follieri, 29, is currently behind bars until he can post $21 million (£10.5million) bail. A status hearing for Follieri has been set for 9 July.