Strictly Come Dancing's latest eliminated star appeared to find the experience "harder than she had expected", a body language expert has said. Although Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters showed signs of being "relieved" to be shown the door, she also appeared to be worrying that it would "reflect badly on her".
Body Language Clues
The 64-year-old was the latest celebrity to get the boot from the BBC Saturday night dance show alongside her pro partner Aljaž Skorjanec. The pair faced former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, and his pro partner Alexis Warr in the latest dance-off on Sunday.
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman revealed the star's key worry as her name was called out. "Despite Melanie's bright expression, which communicates her feelings of acceptance, and even some relief, there is a facial clue that reveals that her emotions are mixed," said Honigman.
"That clue is her jutting chin – which is evident while they wait to hear the judges, as well as when she speaks to Emma, and even during her farewell number with Aljaž. She's not upset to be leaving, but she does worry that it may reflect badly on her, or worse – on her professional dance partner."
Expert Analysis
Honigman added: "The pointed, raised chin is a mark of pride. The literal expression 'chin up' means that Melanie is willing herself to face the news with dignity and fearlessness."
Speaking on behalf of Covers.com, she said: "While waiting for the result, Melanie is already quite sure that this is goodbye. Despite her high, rounded cheeks, which indicate a genuine, authentic inner smile, Melanie's proud chin is already braced for impact. She knows the outcome in her heart and is just waiting to hear the confirmation."
Reaction and Result
Upon learning her fate, Walters told host Emma Willis that she had believed she would exit the show last week and so the extra week had been a bonus. However, she admitted she felt sorry for Aljaž leaving the show so early.
Both couples performed their routines again before the decision, with Shaun and Alexis doing their Quickstep to I’m a Believer by The Monkees for a second time, while Melanie and Aljaž had another opportunity to showcase their Charleston to Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit by Gina G.
After both couples had danced, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas chose to save Shaun and Alexis. Motsi Mabuse opted to save Melanie and Aljaž. With the decision at two to one, it was left to Anton Du Beke, the judge with the deciding vote, to save Shaun and Alexis, putting them through to Idols week in week four.
