Strictly Come Dancing makes its big return to screens on Saturday evening, and with it comes the glitz, drama and predictions.
Ahead of the first live show tonight, in which couples will strut their stuff alone for the first time, an expert has shared a glimpse into what last week’s launch show revealed.
Although dancing ability plays a big role in determining a celeb’s chances of success in Strictly, a strong bond with their partner is just as important – as proven by last year’s winner, Chris McCausland, and his rapport with Dianne Buswell.
Body language expert Darren Stanton has given his verdict to GB News on the three most compatible pairings following last week’s introduction.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones show very promising signs
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BBC
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, Mr Stanton noted two stand-out couples who seem to have that all-important bond.
He explained there were signs of “openness” and “real fondness” between Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe.
Looking at Alex and Johannes’ meeting, he observed the “kinaesthetic” way they communicated, “responding to feelings rather than overthinking.”
He went on to explain that this kind of rapport will “help them ride out the tougher weeks of the show.”
Johannes Radebe and Alex Kingston have also been named as a potentially winning pair
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BBC
However, he saved his highest praise for Lewis Cope and Katya Jones.
Mr Shanton detailed how their “prolonged eye contact, ease with physical closeness, and authenticity in their smiles and reactions,” are “tell-tale signs of a winning partnership.”
“Alex and Johannes stand out as a very compatible pairing,” he began. “There’s a genuine reciprocity in their body language, lots of mutual eye contact, relaxed touch, and an openness that reflects a real fondness for one another.
“They communicate in a very kinaesthetic way, responding with feelings rather than overthinking.
“This kind of rapport can help them ride out the tougher weeks of the show. They’ve got determination too, which, combined with their natural connection, makes them serious contenders.”
On Lewis and Katya, he continued: “Lewis and Katya could be one of the strongest couples this year, even potential finalists.
“From the outset, they’ve shown the tell-tale signs of a winning partnership: prolonged eye contact, ease with physical closeness, and an authenticity in their smiles and reactions.
“Some couples have to work to build this bond, but Lewis and Katya had it instantly and seem to be strengthening it further each week.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones have been paired in this year’s show
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BBC
“Their rapport looks genuine and unconscious, not forced, which is often what sets apart those who make it to the very end.”
The promising prediction comes following a tough week for some contestants, with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin having been dealt a huge blow.
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Mr Kuzmin had been paired with reality star Dani Dyer, who unfortunately had to leave before her Strictly journey had properly begun thanks to an injury.
At the last minute, Amber Davies was brought in as a replacement, with the pair having only had a few days to prepare themselves for tonight’s opening show.