Johannes Radebe appears to be taking on a "leading role" among the new Strictly Come Dancing presenters, according to body language expert Judi James. Her analysis of the trio's behaviour during Icons Week suggests the former professional dancer is increasingly centre stage.
The celebrities and their professional partners took part in Icons Week alongside hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. The three have divided fans since replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the start of this year's series. While many believe Emma, 50, has settled into the role most naturally, former professional Johannes and comedian Josh have faced greater criticism.
Johannes 'spotting an opportunity'
Judi told the Daily Express on behalf of Paddy Power Bingo: "Josh is no longer even 'Joshie' to Johannes anymore, and Johannes is clearly a man who can spot an opportunity and rise to fill it."
She added: "There's a sense that he at least is cleverly digging into his job and building it to make the most of it as a showcase for his own individual style. Johannes and Emma look relaxed and complimentary together and Johannes even appears to be quietly taking over a leadership role on the show."
Pecking order revealed
Judi continued: "When the three presenters moved off the dancefloor for the arrival of the contestants, it was Johannes extending a very gracious arm of steering and hosting to sweep Emma and Josh off into the shadows."
She said this "non-verbal tell" was a huge clue about the current pecking order of the presenters, while Josh continues to adopt a guarded and compliant pose, arriving hunched or standing either in the self-protective fig leaf pose or with one arm held across his torso in a barrier, clutched tightly with the other hand.
Josh's comedy moments falling flat
Judi suggested that some of Josh's lighthearted moments would have been hailed as "show-stopper comedy moments" had they been delivered by the late Strictly presenter Bruce Forsyth. However, she argued that similar moments are going largely unnoticed by viewers today.
"Josh also seems to have been tasked with some awkwardly tactile behaviour with the celebrities that patently falls flat, like trying to mop Lawrence's face with his bandana or pull the streamers away from around another's celeb's feet," Judi observed. "These visual gags wither on the vine as he currently lacks the presence to pull them off. They would have been show-stopper comedy moments from Brucie, but no-one seems to take any notice of Josh doing them."
Icons Week saw the departure of Dame Sarah Storey and her professional partner Julian Caillon. The pair landed in the dance-off with House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu, after finishing the night bottom of the leaderboard. All four judges unanimously saved Bethany and Nancy, meaning Sarah and Julian were sent home.
