Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lawrence Robb may be at risk of elimination following last week's "out-of-time" jive, according to a body language expert who has analysed his on-screen reactions.
The Emmerdale actor is among the celebrities competing in the latest series of the BBC One show, alongside Lacey Turner, Cach Mercer and Jamie Winstone. Paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystał, the Scottish star has become a firm favourite with viewers.
Low Score for Jive Routine
Last week, the couple received a score of 19 for their jive to a mash-up of Fatboy Slim's The Rockafeller Skank and The Knack's My Sharona. Craig Revel Horwood said the routine "wasn't for me", describing it as "flat-footed and out-of-time". Shirley Ballas told them: "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 said Lawrence could be the next celebrity to leave the competition. She contrasted him with fellow contestant Will Best, who "shows all the signs of possessing an invincible ego".
Expert Analysis of Confidence
Judi explained: "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."
She added: "While Will struts like a winner despite making a very obvious mistake in his routine, Lawrence just looks mortified that he might have let everyone down." The specialist noted that Lawrence's routine "lacked what Will is good at, which was the swaggering machismo of the 50's jive man".
Reaction to Judges' Comments
Judi said: "But he gave it his all in a 'nice guy' way and his ego crumbled visibly as he heard the judges' comments." She added: "Lawrence's signals suggest he is primarily aghast at letting his partner down. Some celebs pretend this, but his body language suggests it is true."
She also suggested Lawrence could be "haunted by the levels of success of his male Emmerdale co-stars" on previous Strictly series, noting Lewis Cope is widely regarded as one of the finest dancers in the show's history, while Kelvin Fletcher claimed victory in his 2019 series.
Judi observed that Lawrence's facial features "deflated and collapsed slowly at first" after his performance, adding: "He buried his face in Jowita's neck to say 'I'm sorry' as she stroked him in a consoling parental gesture." She described him as appearing "close to tears" with an "eye stutter or fast blink rate", covering his face twice and showing "snake or lizard-like tongue-pokes that suggested deep despair". Fellow contestants on the balcony noticed his "hopelessness" and rallied around him with a group hug to reassure him.
Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and iPlayer.
