Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones displayed signs of 'utter agony' and 'frustration' as she and celebrity partner John Nellis narrowly avoided the dance-off last weekend, according to body language expert Judi James.
The pair were in the bottom four on November 7 after finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard on the BBC show. Although they were saved from the dance-off, Judi James said the professional was showing signs of 'agony' and 'frustration' while waiting to see if they faced elimination.
Expert notes Katya's frustration
The body language expert observed that over the years, the professional dancer has frequently transformed no-hopers into genuine contenders through sheer determination and relentless effort. However, Judi remarked: "But she seems to have met her match in John. John didn't look like a likely winner this season, but his first dance showed off some strong potential."
She added: "Since then, though, he appears to be stalling or slipping, and through no obvious fault of Katya or himself. If they're not careful, he could be caught in a Strictly 'death spiral'."
Signals of 'utter agony'
Speaking to Paddy Power, the expert revealed that Katya's frustration appeared unmistakable, particularly while awaiting news of whether they faced the dance-off. Judi continued: "Katya's non-verbal signals defined a state of utter agony and frustration. The other pro dancers adopted more stoic poses and looked ready to console their celebrities."
"But Katya stood in front of John with his hands on her shoulders as he looked like the one ready to offer support and consolation. Katya gazed straight ahead before looking down in a cut-off ritual with her lips closed and the corners of her mouth drooping in a signal of growing misery. She looked as though she fully expected to be in the dance off and those signals of misery intensified."
Judi noted that Katya contorted into "an expression of pain" as Bethany and Nancy's names were announced first; when the second call came, she observed Katya's face creasing "into an expression of agony", with John stepping in to comfort her.
Current standings and next steps
Judi went on to say: "Katya is a trooper and she will be fighting back with John next week, but it might be hard for her to find a way to get him out of the stall and decline that he seems to be in right now."
At present, Katya and John find themselves propping up last weekend's leaderboard alongside Cach Mercer, having been handed a score of just 26 by the judges. The standings are set to shift once more on Saturday night (November 14) as the celebrities and their professional partners take on brand-new routines. Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch Saturday on BBC One from 6:25pm.
