Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu became the latest couple eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, November 8, after a tense dance-off that ended in a split decision from the judges.
The actress and her professional partner performed their Foxtrot to Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis for a second time, while Love Island's Cach Mercer and his pro Maddie Ingoldsby danced their Waltz to That Ain’t You by Mulaa Joans again. Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse both voted to save the House of the Dragon star, but Anton Du Beke opted for Cach. Head judge Shirley Ballas, who held the deciding vote this week, chose to save Cach and Maddie.
Body language expert on Bethany's reaction
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Covers.com, analysed Bethany's reaction throughout the results show. "Bethany's infinite affection for Nancy is reflected in the way that she looks at the pro dancer," she said. "She tilts her head whenever Nancy speaks, in a way which communicates her interest and openness."
Honigman added: "Bethany's sadness at leaving is linked more with her having to say goodbye to Nancy than with failing to win Strictly. A head-tilt is a mark of active listening, and it reveals trust, vulnerability and curiosity. The head tilt exposes the ear, which is why it is an empathic move, but it also exposes the neck, which is a more submissive and tender aspect of the gesture. Even when the couples wait to hear the judges' decisions, Bethany turns her ear and neck towards her dance partner, thus expressing her trust."
Leaderboard context
As the pair awaited the final decision, Honigman observed: "Bethany appears very, very disillusioned. Her eyes lowered, shoulders slumped and chin dropped, Bethany feels like she's going home. Her hands hold on to Nancy's waist and hand, drawing energy from the dancer, reluctant to let go, she feels blue. Hugging Nancy farewell, Bethany's facial expression is doleful. Her eyes closed, blocking out the moment, Bethany's mouth is turned downwards at the corners, and her eyebrows come together forlornly."
Cach and Maddie had been bottom of the leaderboard with 26 points, tied with John Nellis and Katya Jones in joint eighth place. Bethany and Nancy sat in joint fourth with 30 points, tied with EastEnders star Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola. Reality star Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin topped the leaderboard with 36 points, including their first 10 of the series, followed by Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita with 33 points and Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington with 31 points. Actress Jaime Winstone received a bye this week due to injury and will return next week, leaving nine couples to compete.
