Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones may have secured second place on the latest leaderboard with celebrity partner John Nellis, but body language expert Judi James believes the pro showed signs of tension after their Halloween Tango.
The couple, who performed a Tango routine, were awarded a total score of 35, placing them second on the leaderboard. Lacy Turner and Vito Coppola took the top spot with a score of 36.
Expert Reads Katya's Body Language
According to Judi James, Katya appeared to be expecting the worst from the judges after the dance. James said: "While John does seem to be enjoying the spotlight, and as he picks up good scores, Katya’s body language is suggesting some tension behind the scenes, primarily for her.
"The couple performed a double ‘high five’ behind the screen at the end of their dance, but when Katya appeared around the screen her back was hunched, her fingers rigid and splayed and her mouth opened wide and aimed downward, like a cat that’s about to be sick."
James added: "Katya’s body language suggested disappointment as she approached Emma, when her head sank into her neck and her teeth clenched in an overkill version of a smile. Katya suddenly looked down as they went to the judges for their comments, and this eye cut-off, plus the way her hand gripped John’s shoulder hard, suggested she might have been braced for the worst. Her expression suggested pain, and she kept puffing air from her mouth as though stressed."
Judges Praise Performance
Despite the apparent tension, the judges highly praised the performance, giving the couple a score of 35. The leaderboard is set to be reset as the 10 remaining celebrities take to the dancefloor for another week.
One star will be absent, however, as Jaime Winstone has been forced to miss a week after sustaining an injury. Taking to Instagram to confirm the news, she wrote: "I am absolutely devastated not to be dancing this weekend due to a torn abdominal muscle. I am in considerable pain, and my doctors have advised complete rest to give my body the best possible chance to heal.
"As frustrating as it is, I have to put my health first and follow their advice to step away from dancing this week. I love every moment of dancing and performing with Carlos, and I am praying for a speedy recovery so that I can continue this magical journey. I want to thank everyone for their incredible support so far. It means more than you know. Wishing everyone on the show all the luck, love and strength for Saturday night, and I hope to be back on that dance floor very soon. With love, Jaime."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:30pm.
