Actress Bethany Antonia and her professional partner Nancy Xu have become the latest couple to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing. Their exit followed a dance-off against Love Island's Cach Mercer and his partner Maddie Ingoldsby on Sunday's results show, broadcast on November 8.
In the dance-off, Bethany and Nancy reprised their Foxtrot to Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis, while Cach and Maddie performed their Waltz to That Ain't You by Mulaa Joans again. The judges were split, with Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse backing the House of the Dragon actress, while Anton Du Beke chose to save Cach. Head judge Shirley Ballas, holding the casting vote this week, decided to keep Cach and Maddie in the competition.
Body language analysis of Bethany's reaction
Body language specialist Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Covers.com, observed Bethany's behaviour during the tense programme. Honigman noted: "Bethany's infinite affection for Nancy is reflected in the way that she looks at the pro dancer." She added that Bethany tilts her head whenever Nancy speaks, which communicates interest and openness.
Honigman explained that Bethany's sadness at leaving was linked more to saying goodbye to Nancy than to failing to win Strictly. "A head-tilt is a mark of active listening, and it reveals trust, vulnerability and curiosity," she said, adding that the gesture exposes the ear and neck, expressing empathy and trust.
Leaderboard positions before the exit
Before the dance-off, Cach and Maddie had been at the bottom of the leaderboard with 26 points, tying with John Nellis and Katya Jones in joint eighth place. Bethany and Nancy had been in joint fourth place with 30 points, level with EastEnders star Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola.
Leading the leaderboard were Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin with 36 points, securing their first 10 of the series. Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita followed with 33 points, while Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington scored 31 points.
Next week's lineup
Actress Jaime Winstone sat out this week's show due to injury but is set to return next week, meaning nine couples will compete on the dance floor.
