Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Stacey Dooley and Kevin risk ‘emotional disaster’, says expert

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton delighted fans and the judging panel with their jive during Strictly Come Dancing 2018 last night.

The pair were visibly overjoyed after they scooped four marks of eight out of 10 – giving them an overall score of 32.

It was a stark difference from their result last week, which saw them dance their way to a total of just 20.

Last night, a body language expert took a closer look at their performance.

So, what did Judi James think of their dance during the hit BBC show?

According to the author and body language expert, last week’s comments and scoring could have come as a blow to the 31-year-old’s confidence.

This week, the dance duo dressed up as minions from the film Despicable Me in order to jive on the dance floor.

And, according to Judi, the pair’s choice to dress up as the fictional characters could have been an “emotional disaster” for the BBC Three journalist.

She exclusively told Express.co.uk: “A dance routine dressed as a Minion might have been an emotional disaster for Stacey this week.”

However, while other contestants performed their routines in rather more glamorous ensembles – rather than their yellow face paint-clad look – Judi insisted the dance routine had a subtle message.

“While all the other contestants opted for more glam movie routines, Stacey’s flea-like hopping and foot-stomping routine could hardly have been more ideal,” she said.

Expanding on what the routine had signalled, Judi detailed how choreographer Kevin, 35, seemed to understand her personality and movement style.

The author claimed: “It was a measure of how well her pro partner Kevin has judged her personality and style of movement as she pulled in straight eights for the high-energy, full of attitude knee-smacker.”

Sharing her expert view on the performance, Judi continued: “With her face painted yellow it was a do-or-die moment for Stacey in terms of her confidence and resilience but she gave it her all, showing a toughness and resolve that shines out in her documentary-making career.”

And, the body language specialist went on to add that it appeared as though the dance novice had managed to “steal the show” from her dance partner – thanks to her fancy footwork.

She claimed: “This was the week that she stole the show from Kevin, often starting movements and steps before him rather than waiting to take her cue or copy.

“Her screams of delight at the great scores showed her to be back on top again in terms of enthusiasm and self-esteem.

“She combined signals of victory with momentary cut-off gestures like covering her face with her hands though, suggesting she will be taking nothing for granted and will be working even harder next week to ensure she keeps the success alight.”

Judi also addressed the pair’s friendship, as she revealed she had spotted signals which denoted their “empathy and shared humour”.

She said: “Her signals with Kevin suggest high levels of empathy and shared humour.

“During rehearsals they seemed to ‘get’ one another which can be vital for physical synchronicity on the dance-floor.

“There seems to be a mutual respect between these two that works, rather than the semi-confrontational or submissive/dominant relationships that the celebs often have with their professional partners.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2018 continues tonight on BBC One at 7.45pm.