Strictly Come Dancing star John Nellis topped the week one leaderboard with a combined total of 31 points, but body language specialist Judi James has warned the partnership could encounter difficulties ahead.
The 33 year old Northern Irish YouTuber, partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones, performed a Foxtrot to Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' that impressed the judging panel. Judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas rose from their seats, with Anton Du Beke declaring himself "stunned".
Expert warns of 'early success syndrome'
Providing her assessment of week one through her blog, Judi James observed how Katya "excels in creating winners", yet the "huge problem she has" is "the curse of the 'early success syndrome'".
The specialist elaborated: "John has shown promise and that will be enough to trigger Katya's capacity for hard work and grit to get to the final."
Judi drew attention to Katya's "clawed hand" which revealed her "strong desire to make him a winner", noting how "that clawed hand was then pressed into his chest to show how hard they would work together to achieve a win".
Katya's track record on the show
She added: "The huge problem she now has is the curse of the 'early success syndrome'. Celebs that start as strongly as this raise expectations for the next show and often struggle to recapture their initial form and sustain it through the long run. If anyone can do it, though, it's Katya."
Katya has remained a fixture of the Strictly family since joining in 2016, lifting the glitterball trophy the following year alongside her dance partner, actor Joe McFadden. Beyond that triumph, she's yet to make another final appearance, with fifth place representing her best subsequent finish.
Reaction from John and fellow contestants
After his opening performance, John turned to Instagram to share his thoughts on the evening, writing: "Last night was definitely out of the ordinary. Can't thank you all enough for being so kind." Katya replied in the comments, writing: "So proud of you, partner."
Fellow contestants rushed to the comments section to applaud his performance, with Delta Goodrem commenting: "John, this was so beautiful." Dame Sarah Storey wrote: "Sensational, what an atmosphere you created." Graeme Hall posted: "One to remember for sure."
Katya expressed delight at witnessing her partner relish his time on the dance floor, revealing: "What I love the most about my job, about this show, is to see the potential and put my heart and soul into moments like that when you finish and you feel proud of yourself. So you can see that transformation. I think we could all agree that's why we are here." John was swift to praise his professional partner, stating: "It's all down to Katya, honestly. Twelve days ago, I had never danced, and she made me do that, so."
The duo's highest score will be carried forward to this evening's programme and added to their week two tally before the first pairing of 2026 faces elimination in Sunday's results episode. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One tonight at 6.15pm.
