Strictly Come Dancing star Jaime Winstone unexpectedly faced this year's first dance-off during Movie Week, but a body language expert believes the experience could work in her favour.
The weekend's Movie Week featured performances inspired by Pretty Woman, Grease and Titanic. Actress Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu landed in the bottom two alongside celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden.
Jaime was spared by the judges and will continue in the competition, though ending up in the dance-off so early is always a blow for contestants.
Expert sees silver lining
Speaking to Paddy Power, body language expert Judi James observed Jaime's reactions in the dance-off were clearly visible. "Poor Jaime's reactions at being in the dance-off were clearly visible and mainly un-hidden by any mask of stoicism," she said.
"Her mouth pulled in different directions and her body undulated and shimmied as though she had physically been shocked. She crossed her legs at the ankles in a self-diminishing pose and there was what looked like a battle between facial expressions as she veered between a polite smile and a grimace."
Judi suggested that facing the dance-off early could serve as "tactical favours" for Jaime, noting it happens to most contestants and it can be better to get it over early.
Potential and popularity
"It tends to happen to most of the contestants, even the very good ones, and it can be better to get it over early and hope that it's a one-off, which it usually is," Judi continued.
"Jaime is actually full of potential, and she is also a popular character, so the message of viewer omnipotence has probably been made as far as she's concerned unless she trails the experience with her in terms of allowing it to erode her confidence. It's all down to Carlos now to ensure that doesn't happen."
At the top of the leaderboard was dog trainer Graeme Hall and partner Lauren Oakley, who scored 31 points for their Waltz. Australian singer Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington followed with 30 points for their American Smooth.
Jaime and Carlos delivered a Viennese Waltz to INXS' Never Tear Us Apart, and all focus will be on them this weekend to see if they avoid the bottom two again. Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
