Strictly Come Dancing returned for Icons week over the weekend, with celebrities performing routines inspired by legendary musicians including Elton John, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie. However, one moment on the results show has been described as "ominous" by a body language expert, after it emerged that contestant Dani Dyer had been left "really upset" during the weekend's filming.
Dani and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin performed a Rumba on Saturday's live show. Before the dance, Nikita told the judges that Dani had been "so, so nervous" ahead of her performance but that she had "smashed it". On the balcony afterwards, Dani admitted: "It's been a bit of a difficult week, I think this has been my hardest one. I had a little bit of a wobble on Wednesday just because I doubt myself all the time."
Expert analysis of the 'ominous' balcony moment
During Sunday's results show, Nikita revealed to the other contestants that Dani had been "really upset on the Saturday". Body language expert Judi James, speaking on behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, highlighted this as a significant moment. She said: "There was an ominous moment on the balcony during the results show when Nikita said that Dani had been 'really upset on Saturday' (Which is of course the same day as it's filmed in one session)."
Judi noted that Dani discussed how her partner Jared couldn't make it but added "he's coming next week", and suggested she might be relying too heavily on external support. Judi said: "Dani discussed how Jared couldn't make it but added 'he's coming next week' but hopefully she's not overly tuned to her friends and family support as she has her best form of on-tap support sitting next to her."
Nikita's body language and Danny Dyer's presence
Judi observed that Nikita's body language showed "both respect and empathy" when he sought Dani's "silent agreement to share the info" that she had been upset. She added that Dani "needs to trust Nikita more though".
Turning to Dani's father, actor Danny Dyer, who was spotted in the audience, Judi said: "Danny Dyer deserves Dad of the Year award for being very openly present, supporting his daughter, at the shows." She suggested viewers might vote for Dani each week to see the "famous Dyer charisma", especially with Ray Winstone sitting nearby. However, Judi hinted that his "proud dad" presence could be inhibiting Dani's performances.
During the Rumba, Judi observed a mismatch in the couple's performances: "When they looked at each other during what was supposed to be a very sensual Rumba, he was literally chewing the air to portray intense sexual longing while she was meeting this torrent of acted passion with a polite smile." She concluded: "If Danny had been sitting there on the sun loungers around the pool on Love Island it's very unlikely that Dani would have won the show, and the same might just apply to Strictly."
Meanwhile, Delta Goodrem, who missed the weekend's shows due to a rib injury, has been confirmed to return to the dancefloor next week. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday, October 25 at 6.30pm.
