Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dani Dyer was left "really upset" during Icons week, according to dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, prompting a body language expert to flag an "ominous" incident on the BBC show.
The popular dance contest returned on Saturday and Sunday night with Icons week, as celebrities paid tribute to legendary musicians including Elton John, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie. The weekend followed the withdrawal of Delta Goodrem, who was granted a bye to the subsequent week after a rib injury prevented her from participating.
Nikita reveals Dani's difficult week
During Saturday's live broadcast, Nikita told the judges that Dani had been "so, so nervous" before her performance but had "smashed it". On the balcony, Dani said: "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."
On Sunday's episode, Nikita disclosed to the group that Dani had been "really upset on the Saturday". Body language specialist Judi James, speaking on behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, 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)."
Expert highlights dad's potential influence
Judi noted that Nikita's body language showed "both respect and empathy" when he signalled to secure her "silent agreement to share the info", while adding that Dani "needs to trust Nikita more though".
Commenting on Dani's father, actor Danny Dyer, being spotted in the audience, Judi said his presence could lead to her downfall. She explained: "Danny Dyer deserves Dad of the Year award for being very openly present, supporting his daughter, at the shows."
Judi added: "And there might be the thought that viewers will vote his daughter back each week so they can get a glimpse of the famous Dyer charisma, especially sitting next to Ray Winstone. But there are hints that his 'proud dad' presence might just be inhibiting Dani's moves out there on the dance floor."
During the Rumba performance, Judi observed that Dani's acting did not match Nikita's: "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 later added: "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."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday, October 25 at 6.30pm.
