Strictly Come Dancing star Lawrence Robb has been advised to consider changing dance partners due to a "problem" identified by a body language expert. The BBC One show's new series recently launched, featuring a range of celebrities including Lacey Turner, Cach Mercer, Jamie Winstone and Emmerdale's Lawrence. So far, celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and actress Melanie Walters have been eliminated.
Height Disparity Highlighted as Key Issue
Lawrence is paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystał, and the duo have quickly become viewer favourites. Last week, they performed the first Rumba of the 2026 series to "Back to Friends" by Sombr. However, Judi James, speaking on behalf of Paddy Power, pointed to the height difference between Lawrence and Jowita as the core problem.
According to Judi, last week's routine "looked more like a solo routine with the use of an occasional prop." She elaborated: "He's left exposed and alone, even when he dances with her." She indicated that the issue stems from their height difference, noting that male celebrities usually get a 'height-appropriate' partner so they can be steered and led if necessary, "but not poor Lawrence."
Expert's Verdict on the Performance
Judi observed: "Here he's trying to do passion and longing while Jowita's head is clamped to his lower chest like a small melon he's worried about crushing." She added that Lawrence needs a better, easier eye line to act with and to take leadership signals from, as he is currently trying to keep his head up while looking acutely downwards for cues.
She also pointed out that Lawrence was unable to bend "low enough to nuzzle Jowita's neck in a way that should have been giving Emmerdale fans goosebumps." Judi continued: "His character on the soap is known for his poor romantic choices, and this should have been his moment to shine and show how he looks with the right woman at last."
Advice for the Future
Judi noted that last week Lawrence was stuck in a comedy chef's hat, and this week he was left alone at the top of the stage with no one to celebrate with and an uneasy silence from the audience. She also mentioned that Jowita's broken mic meant he parried the judge's comments with her out of both sight and proper sound.
Judi concluded: "Lawrence is a great actor, and he has loads of dance talent. He just needs someone to show both of those skills off on properly." Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and iPlayer.
