Body language expert Judi James has suggested that Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Nellis could be "struggling" after spotting a "tense" moment involving his professional partner Katya Jones.
The BBC dancing competition is currently underway, with three celebrities already eliminated. Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem and Cach Mercer remain in the running for the glitterball trophy.
Content creator John Nellis topped the leaderboard with 31 points during the opening live show, dancing alongside Katya Jones. However, James has raised concerns about his progress following their Paso Doble to Bon Jovi's It's My Life.
Signs of tension spotted
Speaking to Paddy Power, James said: "John was the early surprise star of this season, but doing well in week 1 often means going downhill from then on in terms of expectations."
"He struggled a bit last week and this week there were subtle and not-so subtle signs that the heroic and magnificent Katya, who could get a winning dance out of a dead cactus, might be getting nervous too."
James pointed to the exploding guitar with a firework stuffed into its neck during the routine, noting it meant John did not have to dance for about twelve seconds. She described such devices as a "time-wasting get-out" and suggested it indicated his dance talent might be "secretly eroding a little."
Katya's body language 'tell'
James also highlighted a "massive 'tell'" from Katya's body language during interviews on the balcony. She observed Katya holding a "wide fixed rictus smile" while her left hand showed "tension," with fingers "splayed, stretched and spiked in an anxious rigidity."
"At one point she brought her hand over her mouth as though struggling to keep the smile in place and there was a look of shock at Craig's measly 6 points," James added.
During the results show, James noted similar signals of displeasure and resolve tinged with anxiety, with Katya's left hand fiddling nervously as John was interviewed. As she watched their dance clip, her hand "ominously curled into a tight fist," suggesting John would be pushed hard this week.
John reflects on Strictly journey
John previously told the BBC he had "never imagined" his career would lead him to Strictly, saying: "The goal was never particularly high and then to transcend social media and to end up on actual media or the TV that we all grew up watching - it wasn't part of the plan - but I am buzzing it is happening because every day I am living someone's dream and I'm coming in and learning to dance with one of the best in the world."
Reflecting on the challenges, he said: "I think the first week or two was almost like the honeymoon phase of coming in, learning a new dance... and I was top of the leader board somehow, so it was this real high."
"I think coming in the week after and you have to delete all that because we're going again and starting from scratch and this time you've got four days and your body is really tired and sore... it was a real moment of like 'oh wow this is a lot'."
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
