05 November 2023 , 18:00
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Bobby Brazier's near-kiss with Dianne Buswell shouldn't be seen as authentic, despite the pair going further with their raunchy routine than any other couple in the show's history.
The EastEnders actor 20, sent fans into a frenzy when he appeared to almost lock lips with the Aussie, 34, following their titilating tango. After admitting he 'loved' Dianne, despite the dancer being in a relationship with Joe Sugg, and Bobby reportedly still "besotted" with his ex, Tillie Amartey, fans have been speculating for weeks over a possible romance between the pair in the future.
However, while conceding "The angle of his head for the ‘near-kiss’ looked for all the world as though he’d finally decided to make a public announcement of his feelings right there in the middle of the dancefloor," body language expert Judi James tells us. "What happens out there on the dancefloor is always fake in terms of the body language."
Pointing out celebrities are "too busy remembering steps and timing or trying to catch their breath to be declaring undying love to the world as well," she said: "All pro dancers are trained to excel at the look of passion and it can often mislead the audience into believing they’ve seen something authentic and spontaneous, so although this particular near-kiss did get our jaws dropping it shouldn’t be seen as a sign of anything authentic. It’s when the couples are off the floor that their body language becomes easier to translate."
Bobby Brazier's near-kiss with Dianne Buswell looked as if he was finally ready to make a statement about his feelings (BBC)Judi says: "The ‘nearly-kiss’ has become a signature body language ritual at the end of routines on Strictly and Bobby made himself the Strictly thirst-trap king last night with a thirteen second, double-dip ‘nearly kiss’ that went further than any couples have gone before. His routine was all about stylized sensuality with a hint of aggression and when he knelt and pulled Dianne towards his face with such a violent jerk it looked like their heads might collide, the angle of his head for the ‘near-kiss’ that followed meant it looked for all the world as though he’d finally decided to make a public announcement of his feelings right there in the middle of the dancefloor.
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"As their heads turned we could see there was in fact a wide gap between their mouths, but Bobby’s double-dip prompted a new set of gasps from the viewer. As they rose up from the floor he performed an intense, adoring gaze at Dianne with a slightly pleading facial expression as though silently asking her permission for another go. Their foreheads touched and, to make the whole erotic-looking scene even more highly charged, Bobby’s mouth must have made close contact with his mic, meaning we got a backing track of loud heavy breathing to give it some extra edge.
"Bobby grabbed at Dianne’s face just as she was moving to part from him, sliding her hand down to his bicep in an announcement gesture to end the kiss and get over to the judges. She grinned in a very non-sexual way but Bobby still gazed at her and it took a rather hard double tap on the shoulder from Dianne to let him know he needed to stop his open-mouthed panting over her face.
"As a pro couple they lost synchronicity during this acting. Bobby stayed in role, standing unsmiling and apparently still in role once he got in front of the judges. His intention seemed to be to show high levels of passion and a loss of control in that moment but Dianne’s smile showed she was back in the room and perhaps suffering from some levels of embarrassment at Bobby’s commitment to the role. When Bobby looked down at Dianne, she looked away and visa versa. Bobby did not laugh as Anton made a small joke of the near-kiss, presumably wanting to imply it was serious.
Bobby and Dianne wowed with their routine on Saturday night (PA)
Their intense routine garnered some harsh criticism from the judges (PA)"The pasting he (unfairly) got from the judges created a new expression on Bobby’s face though as he looking increasingly deflated after what was a stunning routine. He became Bobby again on the balcony, slinging a casual arm around Dianne’s neck and returning to his signature boyish, fun persona.
"What happens out there on the dancefloor is always fake in terms of the body language. Celebs are too busy remembering steps and timing or trying to catch their breath to be declaring undying love to the world as well. All pro dancers are trained to excel at the look of passion and it can often mislead the audience into believing they’ve seen something authentic and spontaneous, so although this particular near-kiss did get our jaws dropping it shouldn’t be seen as a sign of anything authentic. It’s when the couples are off the floor that their body language becomes easier to translate.
"But this particular display could cause problems for the couple in terms of votes. Bobby is charismatic and stunning and he has created the perfect audition tape for future roles as leading male in dramas with all this convincing-looking passion. But Dianne and Joe Sugg have the tag of being the show’s ‘favourite sweethearts’. They met on the show and any hint that Bobby is smitten could easily chip away at his current popularity. Dianne’s body language suggests she is totally aware of the necessary boundaries between fun teasing of the fans and making them raise their eyebrows in disapproval.
"Bobby’s already a winner in terms of showcasing his talent, looks and personality but he has also got the potential to win this season of Strictly because he is very importantly placed in a spot where he can, like Rose did two years ago, raise his game to create momentum and excitement during the last few weeks, unlike celebs like Layton and Ellie who might find it hard to better the almost perfect scores they’re getting. Bobby could be the show’s hero if he laps them at the last minute but he doesn’t need gossip as well to draw attention to himself."
Following the sizzling show, several fans flocked to Twitter, formerly X, suggesting Dianne "pulled back" from Bobby's embrace as Judi said the dancer's smile showed she was "perhaps suffering from some levels of embarrassment."
Much has been made of the couple's chemistry with reports Dianne is hurt over being trolled as the target of cruel remarks since Bobby admitted last month he was “falling in love” with her. The dancing duo have both been slammed by fans - including overzealous supporters of Dianne’s boyfriend Joe.
While some accused Bobby of being “disrespectful” others have concentrated their criticism on Dianne, posting spiteful messages on forum Digital Spy, describing their partnership as “uncomfortable” and “inappropriate.”
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However, despite admitting he had "fallen" for his "hero" Dianne, Bobby - who is among the favourites to lift the Glitterball trophy in December - told The Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards he also sees the dancer as a "sister", claiming: "I know everybody who has a relationship there – they’re in love. I don’t have any intention to be a home wrecker at all! I’m looking for a big sister and a lovely relationship."
*Strictly Come Dancing's results show is on Sunday on BBC One at 7.15pm