Body language expert Judi James has suggested that Maya Jama may have made a "schoolboy error" in the new series of The Celebrity Traitors.
The hit BBC show returned to screens on Thursday evening with host Claudia Winkleman. In the first episode, Claudia chose her first two Traitors: Love Island presenter Maya and actor Richard E Grant.
Sharing her thoughts with Paddy Power Bingo on recent scenes, Judi said: "Maya's choice of a plastic mac did suggest an air of self-protection."
'Schoolboy error' spotted
Judi added: "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."
"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."
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.
"When she did pretend to scan the others, she did it with a very obvious lack of eye focus. There was also a huge tongue-poke to signal disgust or dislike before she applied a smug-looking smile," the expert said.
Judi 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."
Feeling out of her depth
"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," she said.
"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.
