[MaryJane]

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo were spared an awkward flight by compassionate air stewardesses who decided not to show Jessica Simpson's latest film as the in-flight movie.

The couple were horrified when it was announced that 'Employee of the Month', starring Nick's ex-wife, was to be shown during their recent first class flight from New York to Los Angeles.

A source told the National Enquirer magazine: "Nick and Vanessa were visibly freaked out and started whispering furiously to each other."

The flight attendants noticed their reaction and quickly huddled in the galley for an emergency meeting.

Moments later they announced: "Ladies and gentleman, due to technical difficulties with our in-flight movie, we will instead be showing 'Badidas' starring Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek."

Nick Lachey's ex escape