Giovanni Pernice and Richie Anderson's partnership on Strictly Come Dancing is still a "work in progress".
Body language expert Judi James given The Mirror her verdict on the pairing's work relationship and friendship amid claims they are locked in a 'feud' backstage.
Judi has revealed there appear to be more "connection signals" between the duo as they appeared on It Takes Two this evening to discuss their great weekend and what they had coming up.
The pair seemed to be gelling more, according to Judi who described them as a "work in progress" but said the "signs are more positive than they were at the start of the series".
Speaking to The Mirror, Judi shared: "There are more connection signals between Richie and Giovanni now, although they do seem to have toned down the more dramatic denial gestures they used at first to deny any rifts, like the hugging and constant patting they were performing to prove they actually are friends.
"Giovanni looked very much the sophisticated grown-up tonight, sitting back in his seat with his hands clasped at chest level in a barrier ritual, turning the ring on his index finger in what looked like a self-comfort ritual."
She added: "His legs were crossed and his most fun communication was aimed at the camera as he mimed being led in their routine. He said ‘I’m pleased to do it’ and his fast nodding was only slightly tempered by his mouth shrug denial gesture."
According to body language expert Judi, Richie seems to be "listening" to Giovanni more.
"Richie seems to be learning how to talk a little less and how to turn to Giovanni to listen and check a little more. He is clearly a naturally enthusiastic man but for this appearance he had angled his torso diagonally in his chair to be directed towards Giovanni, rather than towards Rylan as he has leaned towards the presenters in the past," she added.
"He also used eye-listening as Giovanni spoke, as though he is now taking his lead from Giovanni rather than leading the chats in a burst of energy and excitement. Both men used a metronomic leg/foot tap of impatience as though keen to get on with the rehearsals and when the music for movie night was played they both snapped into their routine together."
Judi describes a change in the dynamic of their working relationship which only spells improvement going forward.
She predicted: "Has Giovanni taken control gradually and tamed the very energetic and enthusiastic Richie? It still looks like work in progress but the signs are more positive than they were at the start of the series."
