Strictly Come Dancing contestant Will Best could miss out on the Glitterball Trophy if he does not fix a subtle ballroom habit, according to body language expert Judi James. The Big Brother presenter has reached week eight of the BBC dance competition with professional partner Dianne Buswell, but his open-mouthed expression while performing may be losing him vital viewer votes.
Expert warns over 'Guppy' gesture
Speaking to Paddy Power, Judi James said: "Will badly needs to correct one body language trait that is spoiling his chances of a win. Instead of flaunting what could be his matinee idol good looks that would add an extra Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire spin to his waltzes and some sizzle to his tangos, he tends to dance with his mouth gaping wide open in a 'Guppy' gesture."
She added: "It's distracting and it will be losing him votes. Dianne needs to get him rehearsing with a pencil chomped between his teeth to get him looking more chiselled cheekbones and less surprised guppy."
Balancing commitments and performances
The 41-year-old has been juggling his presenting duties on the ITV reality show with his Strictly routines and welcoming a newborn baby boy. Despite these demands, James acknowledged his efforts: "With his work commitments plus a new baby, Will must be running on fumes right now, but his effort shows every week as he comes back with hyper energy and commitment levels that show total commitment to the competition."
She noted he is "eager, chatty and he throws everything into his dances, performing with none of the inhibitions that celebs like Lacey, Dani and Jamie suffer from as he adopts the 'look' of every style of dance he learns."
Fan support and next steps
Viewers have also praised the new father following his Quickstep routine to This Love by Maroon 5 last week. One fan said: "This was a hard dance which Will danced brilliantly," while another commented: "This was brilliant guys amazing. Well done Dianne and Will. You should be so proud of yourself Will."
Last week saw Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu become the sixth couple eliminated from Strictly, following a dance-off against Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby. The remaining couples compete for their places this Saturday night, November 14, with Strictly Come Dancing continuing at 6.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
