Strictly Come Dancing star Lawrence Robb has been urged to switch dance partners following a “problem” with his current pairing. The brand new series of the BBC One show started recently and features an array of different celebrities.
The line-up includes the likes of Lacey Turner, Cach Mercer, Jamie Winstone and Emmerdale star Lawrence. So far, the show has said goodbye to celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and actress Melanie Walters.
Rumba performance under scrutiny
Lawrence is partnered with Jowita Przystał and the pair have become firm favourites with viewers so far. Last week, Lawrence and Jowita performed the very first Rumba of the 2026 series to Back to Friends by Sombr.
However, a body language expert has now shared their thoughts on the partnership — and it’s not good news. Speaking on behalf of Paddy Power, Judi James pointed out the “problem” Lawrence and Jowita are facing: their height difference.
Expert highlights height difference
According to Judi, last week’s routine “looked more like a solo routine with the use of an occasional prop”. She explained: “He’s left exposed and alone, even when he dances with her.”
She pointed out that the reason is due to their height difference. She said: “The male celebrities usually get a ‘height-appropriate’ partner so they can be steered and led if necessary but not poor Lawrence.”
Judi added: “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.”
Impact on performance and next steps
She noted how Lawrence was unable to bend “low enough to nuzzle Jowita’s neck in a way that should have been giving Emmerdale fans goosebumps”. She also mentioned that last week he 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. Jowita’s broken mic even meant he parried the judges’ comments with her out of both sight and proper sound.
Judi finished by saying: “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.
