Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lawrence Robb has been advised to change dance partners because of a "problem" with his current pairing. The Emmerdale actor is partnered with Jowita Przystał, and the duo have become firm audience favourites so far this series.
Last week, Lawrence and Jowita performed the first Rumba of the 2026 series to Back to Friends by Sombr. However, body language specialist Judi James has now shared her analysis of the partnership, and it makes for concerning reading.
Expert Identifies Height Disparity
Speaking on behalf of Paddy Power, Judi James identified the "problem" Lawrence and Jowita are encountering: their height disparity. According to Judi, last week's performance "looked more like a solo routine with the use of an occasional prop".
She elaborated: "He's left exposed and alone, even when he dances with her." Judi highlighted that the issue stems from their height difference, saying: "The male celebrities usually get a 'height-appropriate' partner so they can be steered and led if necessary but not poor Lawrence."
Performance Challenges Highlighted
Judi observed: "Here he's trying to do passion and longing while Jowita's head is clamped to his lower chest like a small melon he's worried about crushing." She added: "He needs a better, easier eye line to act with and to take leadership signals from. At the moment, he's trying to keep his head up but needing to look acutely downwards to take his cues."
She then noted how Lawrence struggled to bend "low enough to nuzzle Jowita's neck in a way that should have been giving Emmerdale fans goosebumps". Judi added: "His character on the soap is known for his poor romantic choices, and this should have been his moment to shine and show how he looks with the right woman at last."
Call for Better Showcase
Judi continued: "Last week they stuck him in a comedy chef's hat and this week he was left alone at the top of the stage with no one to celebrate with and an uneasy silence from the audience. Jowita's broken mic even meant he parried the Judge's comments with her out of both sight and proper sound."
She concluded: "Lawrence is a great actor, and he has loads of dance talent. He just needs someone to show both of those skills off on properly." Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and iPlayer.
