Strictly Come Dancing star Will Best could miss out on the Glitterball Trophy if he does not fix a subtle ballroom habit, according to body language experts. The Big Brother host has been juggling presenting the ITV reality show alongside learning his Strictly routines and welcoming a baby boy.
His efforts on the dancefloor have not faltered, and the 41-year-old has now made it into week eight of the BBC dance competition, helped by professional partner Dianne Buswell. Last week saw Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu become the sixth couple to be eliminated from Strictly, following a dance off against Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby.
Expert warns of 'distracting' habit
The remaining couples are set to fight for their place in the competition this Saturday night (November 14), but body language expert Judi James says Will could miss out on votes if he keeps up his "distracting" habit. Speaking to Paddy Power, Judi 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 went on to explain that this open-mouthed facial expression could be influencing viewers' votes. "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," Judi added.
Praise for Will's commitment
However, the expert also pointed out Will's huge wins in the competition. She said: "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 went on to say that 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".
Viewers at home have also voiced praise for the new father. Following his Quickstep routine to This Love by Maroon 5 last week, one fan praised: "This was a hard dance which Will danced brilliantly."
Someone else posted: "I'm not sure how you'll top this next week…but you will," while a third viewer added: "This was brilliant guys amazing. Well done Dianne and Will. You should be so proud of yourself Will." And a final supporter said: "Awe inspiring! Unbelievably proud! Keep on dancing into that final!!".
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 6.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
