Strictly Come Dancing star Dani Dyer's path to victory has been 'exposed' as a body language expert claims she needs to 'fake it' to succeed. Judi James, speaking on behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, analysed Dani's recent performances and identified a key change she must make to secure a win.
The hit dancing competition has returned to BBC screens, with celebrities battling it out on the dancefloor with their professional partners. In the latest instalment, Movie Week, pairs delivered impressive routines including a Samba to Grease and a Paso Doble to Wicked: For Good. Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard, followed by Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley. At the other end were Melanie Walters and Aljaz, and Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden, with the public vote deciding who left. Amy and Chris were the first to leave in emotional scenes.
Expert's Verdict on Dani's Performance
Dani, paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, danced a Foxtrot to Beauty and the Beast. Judi James commented: "The core section of Dani’s dance with Nikita went like the fairytale dream it was supposed to be, but her very self-conscious-looking rituals and behaviours otherwise with Nikita suggest there’s some stubborn inhibitions needing to be shaved off from her body language if the couple are going to perform the kind of sensual chemistry out there on the dance floor that will be necessary for many of their other dance routines."
Last weekend, fans saw Nikita visit Dani's family home, meeting her children and husband. However, Judi added: "When Nikita looked at her after the judges’ comments she squeezed her eyes shut and looked away and as they walked off the dancefloor Nikita held her by the wrist in an over-formal-looking clasp rather than holding her hand."
Judges' Feedback and Score
The Foxtrot brought positive reactions from the judges. Anton du Beke loved the "attention to detail", and Craig congratulated the pair after sharing advice. However, Motsi said it seemed Dani was "scared of Nikita", adding: "They need to partner up together, they need to get together so they can move together really really softly and smoothly." Shirley admitted the pair "showed promise", saying: "Every step you do I want you to live the moment because I know you can do that."
Dani and Nikita received scores of 6 from Craig, 6 from Motsi, 5 from Shirley, and 6 from Anton, giving them a total of 23 for Movie Week. Fans poured in support on Instagram, with one writing: "You’re both simply amazing @danidyerxx loved watching your performance." Another said: "Yous we’re just amazing loved it." Judi concluded: "The fans know Dani is happily married and they also know she can do fake romance as she is a Love Island winner, so she might need to get an actor’s ‘hall pass’ to allow her to fake it a little on the dancefloor if her dances are going to have the goosebump-inducing ‘Strictly Sizzle’ factor she’ll need for a win." Strictly Come Dancing returns tomorrow at 6.15pm on BBC One.
