Graeme Hall's "authentic feelings" during last weekend's Strictly Come Dancing were revealed in his zombie-themed Samba, according to body language expert Judi James. Hall and his professional partner Lauren Oakley performed to "Coconut" by Harry Nilsson, landing joint bottom of the leaderboard alongside Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita, but avoided the dance-off.
Body Language Clues
Speaking on behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, Judi said: "A clue to Graeme's authentic feelings behind all this powerful display of bravado was glimpsed during his low-point routine." She noted that cameras caught "a look of agony on his green-painted face as he tried to keep up with Lauren," adding that his body language began to leak clues to a "soft underbelly" beneath the alpha bravado.
During the results show, Judi observed heavy swallows suggesting tension and him straightening up to re-motivate himself, indicating "actual fear that he would be in the dance off." When their name was called, his body arched backward in a dramatic display of relief.
Emotional Response
On the balcony, Hall's first response was Presidential-style alpha behaviour with eyebrow shrugs and head tilts, but his inner relief took over as his voice cracked and he became tearful, mentioning his stroke in 2019, which drew arm rubs and pats from other pros. Judi said Hall will need to rely on his "stoic, resilient alpha display traits" for a confident performance this week.
Dedication to Recovery
Hall has confirmed his Couple's Choice routine this weekend, to The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel, is dedicated to his recovery from a stroke suffered seven years ago. On Morning Live, he said: "Well in 2019, I had a stroke and it's not something I've talk about publicly really, but I recovered fully. I was one of the lucky ones but it took quite a while and life's changed in a big way, as you can imagine." He added that the dance is "about hope really and I hope it will inspire people." Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, November 7 at 6.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
