Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dani Dyer may need to overcome her "stubborn inhibitions" to give herself a chance of winning, according to body language expert Judi James. The former Love Island star and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin scored 23 points for their Movie Week Foxtrot to Beauty and the Beast.
While the judges praised elements of the performance, their connection also came under scrutiny. Judi believes Dani needs to appear less self-conscious alongside Nikita, particularly when future routines call for more sensual chemistry.
Expert points to 'Strictly Sizzle' obstacle
Speaking on behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, Judi said Dani will have to make one change in a bid to achieve the 'Strictly Sizzle'. She said: "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."
Her assessment extended beyond the routine itself. Judi pointed to the couple's interaction after receiving the judges' feedback as another moment that caught her attention. She 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."
Advice to treat romance as acting
Judi suggested Dani could approach the romantic elements of their performances as acting, adding: "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."
Dani returned to the BBC competition after an injury last series, reuniting with Nikita. Viewers also saw him visit her family home last weekend, where he met her husband and children.
Judges offer mixed feedback
The judges' Movie Week comments offered encouragement alongside advice on how the partnership could develop. Anton du Beke praised the "attention to detail", while Craig gave positive feedback as well as constructive criticism. Motsi, however, said Dani appeared "scared of Nikita". She added: "They need to partner up together, they need to get together so they can move together really really softly and smoothly." Shirley said the couple "showed promise", telling Dani: "Every step you do I want you to live the moment because I know you can do that."
Craig, Motsi and Anton each awarded six points, with Shirley giving five. Fans were quick to offer their own encouragement on Instagram, where one wrote: "You're both simply amazing @danidyerxx loved watching your performance."
Elsewhere in Movie Week, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard, followed by Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley. Melanie Walters and Aljaz were at the other end of the table alongside Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden, who became the first couple to leave the series. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One tomorrow, Saturday October 10 at 6.15pm.
