The Celebrity Traitors returned to BBC One on Thursday, with Maya Jama and Richard E Grant as the brand new Traitors. Body language expert Judi James has suggested that Maya Jama may have given away an early clue about her mindset in the latest series, pointing to what she described as an "air of self-protection."
Expert Analysis of Maya's Behaviour
Speaking to Paddy Power Bingo about Maya's appearance in the opening episode, Judi examined some of the presenter's behaviour and clothing choices after she was recruited as one of the series' Traitors. The BBC reality series brought together a new group of famous faces for another round of deception, suspicion and strategy, with Claudia Winkleman once again at the helm.
Among the celebrities taking part this time is Love Island presenter Maya Jama, who found herself selected as one of the show's initial Traitors alongside actor Richard E Grant. According to Judi, Maya's decision to wear a plastic mac could have unintentionally revealed a sense of caution, suggesting she was already adopting a defensive approach as she stepped into her new role.
Body Language Signs and Reactions
Offering her analysis to Paddy Power Bingo on recent scenes, Judi stated: "Maya's choice of a plastic mac did suggest an air of self-protection." Her initial body language reaction to being tapped on the shoulder by Claudia was another schoolboy error spotted by almost every fan of the show, reports the Daily Star.
Judi explained: "She immediately changed her body language state by sucking her lips inward. This implied some regret despite her bravado, and it looked as though she'll enjoy the camera attention but not the pressure." When she took off the blindfold, instead of quickly scrutinising the others she did what actors call a "bit of business" to stall for time, faffing with her hair with her eyes lowered to avoid performing a response.
Maya's 'Tell' and Overkill Rituals
Judi also felt that Maya had to prove to viewers that she was happy to be a Traitor, despite her body language showing otherwise. The expert added: "Maya's 'Tell' is her overkill rituals. When she spoke straight to camera she had to prove her pleasure at being a Traitor with two emoji-style gestures that in reality suggested she was actually rather worried or unhappy."
"First there was the 'claw' gesture to suggest rather than prove a desire to fight, then a double thumbs-up that hinted at acted bravado rather that actual bravery. Genuine emotions don't need to be mimed. The suggestion is that Maya feels out of her depth as a Traitor."
The Celebrity Traitors airs on Thursday and Friday nights at 8pm on BBC One.
