Strictly judge row as Craig and Motsi's true reaction to Shirley speaks volumes - The Mirror

Body language expert Judi James has spotted some tension between Strictly Come Dancing judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse following an 'overkill' reaction on Saturday night

Strictly Come Dancing is heating up following the elimination of Chris Robshaw who was booted from the BBC One show on Sunday night alongside his professional dance partner, Nadiya Bychkova.

While the drama usually stems from the celebrities and dancers, an eagle-eyed body language expert has spotted some tension between the judging panel after Shirley Ballas' reaction to Alex Kingston's Rumba performance was 'overkill'.

Shedding light on what could be going on behind the scenes between the judges after Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse gave Shirley some telling looks, body language expert Judi James has shared her take on the tension.

“The dramatic ‘highlight’ of this weekend’s Strictly came from the judges, not the dancers, or one judge in particular.

"With her eyes so awash with tears it’s amazing she made it from the judges’ desk to the dancefloor, Shirley Ballas achieved a Strictly ‘first’ when she lavished praise on Alex’s ‘Rhumba legs’ in an overkill body language performance," Judi pointed out.

“Her tears triggered the appropriate polite ‘response tears’ from Alex, and Johannes opted for total emotional incontinence by falling to the floor on the balcony in a complete juddering, sobbing collapse. To call it overkill body language would be to call Bruno Tollioni’s showboating back in the day ‘muted’ and subtle," she added.

Speaking in collaboration with Paddy Power Games, the body language expert hinted that Shirley's 'overkill' reaction was to attract some attention for herself on Saturday night.

“Shirley’s ritual might have been prompted by other considerations. Firstly, it has to be said that it primarily showcased Shirley. Her dramatic intervention made her more memorable than Alex and she could be accused of upstaging the moment," Judy explained.

The body language expert went on to suggest that perhaps Shirley realises there is a need for some drama in the current series, with it having been generally drama-free so far - with the exception of controversial TV star Thomas Skinner taking part.

"There could be an even more pressing purpose for this moment of drama," Judy explained. "This season of Strictly has so far been relatively drama-free, with many of the headlines disappearing along with the controversial Thomas Skinner.

"And the clear difference in levels of competence between the celebrities with dance experience and those without is beginning to make the final a far less exciting prospect. They should dock points according to dance experience to make it fair," the expert suggested.

The body language expert then went on to point out the subtle tension between Shirley and Craig.

“You had to watch Craig and Anton’s body language responses to see their real feelings about Shirley’s attempt at making Strictly ‘history’. While Shirley stood alone giving the couple an ovation, Craig remained in his seat, looking down and not even clapping," Judy pointed out.

"While Shirley was out there ‘making history’ next to an open-mouthed gawping Tess, Motsi was picking something off Craig’s cheek as though totally disinterested. And of course, Anton did his own sarcastic version when he also stepped down to just say ‘well done’.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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