Strictly Come Dancing star Lawrence Robb has sparked concern among viewers after a body language expert suggested he could be the next celebrity to leave the competition. The Emmerdale actor, partnered with Jowita Przystał, scored just 19 points for his jive last week to a mash-up of Fatboy Slim's The Rockafeller Skank and The Knack's My Sharona.
Judges' criticism and expert analysis
Craig Revel Horwood described the performance as "flat-footed and out-of-time," adding that it "wasn't for me." Shirley Ballas acknowledged the mistakes but offered encouragement, saying, "you can't be making too many mistakes, but some good things in there, so be proud."
Speaking on behalf of Paddy Power, body language expert Judi James compared Lawrence to co-star Will Best, who "shows all the signs of possessing an invincible ego." James explained that Lawrence's body language responses "show a guy who is losing the struggle with his own bravado and confidence."
Concerns over Lawrence's confidence
James said: "Lawrence has the promise of being a great dancer who could go nearly all the way in this competition but at the moment he's looking like a possible candidate to be voted off next week unless his Emmerdale fan vote saves him. Will's ego appears to have a ring of steel around it, but Lawrence's looks fatally vulnerable and sensitive."
The expert noted how Lawrence's routine "lacked what Will is good at, which was the swaggering machismo of the 50's jive man." She added: "But he gave it his all in a 'nice guy' way and his ego crumbled visibly as he heard the judges' comments."
Emotional reaction after the dance
James observed that Lawrence's facial features "deflated and collapsed slowly at first" after his performance. She said: "He buried his face in Jowita's neck to say 'I'm sorry' as she stroked him in a consoling parental gesture."
She added: "Lawrence appeared to be close to tears then as his features contorted and he performed an eye stutter or fast blink rate that suggested strong emotions. He lifted his hand to try to cover his face twice in a cut-off and then there came a series of snake or lizard-like tongue-pokes that suggested deep despair."
James also suggested Lawrence could be "haunted by the levels of success of his male Emmerdale co-stars" on past Strictly series, noting Lewis Cope was one of the best dancers in the history of the show last year, while Kelvin Fletcher won his 2029 series. She recalled fellow Strictly stars on the balcony giving Lawrence a group hug "to try to reassure him." Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and iPlayer.
