As Strictly Come Dancing sashays into its third week, the glitz and glamour of the ballroom are overshadowed by whispers of tension behind the scenes. Body language expert Judi James has cast a spotlight on one couple whose chemistry appears to be more fizzle than sizzle: latecomer Amber Davies and her professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin. According to James, their partnership is teetering on the edge of a power struggle that could threaten their journey on the show.
From the outset, Amber and Nikita’s dynamic has shown cracks. While Amber dazzled in rehearsals with boundless energy and bold ideas, her vibrant confidence may be rubbing Nikita the wrong way. “These two showed signs of an early potential rift or power-struggle,” James observed. In front of the judges and host Claudia Winkleman, Amber’s body language painted a picture of vulnerability—she scrunched her shoulders, covered her lips with her fingers, and flashed a modest, almost shy smile. Yet, this demure display stood in stark contrast to her rehearsal persona, where she was “fizzing with energy and ideas.”
Nikita, however, seems less than thrilled with his partner’s approach. James noted his telling comment, “She’s doing really well,” delivered with a rising intonation that sounded more like a question than a confident endorsement. His remark, “She’s trying to run before she can walk,” hinted at frustration, and a gesture of pinching his forehead suggested exasperation bubbling beneath the surface. Could Amber’s enthusiasm be overwhelming her seasoned pro?
The signs of discord didn’t stop there. After their performance, it was Amber who initiated a high-five, a move James interpreted as a sign of overconfidence. “It’s usually the celebrity waiting nervously for reassurance, with the pro instigating the rituals of success,” she explained. Meanwhile, Nikita’s response to the judges’ constructive criticism was telling—he nodded emphatically in agreement rather than offering support to Amber, leaving her to face the feedback alone.
Behind closed doors, the tension appears to have spilled over. Amber’s cryptic comment about training being “interesting” raised eyebrows, while Nikita’s exaggerated facial expressions—a jutting lip and a sulky mime to the audience—suggested he wasn’t entirely on board with her perspective. His pointed advice in front of the judges, “Let’s walk before you run,” was met with a smile from Amber that “dropped like a brick,” according to James.
The drama continued on the results show balcony, where subtle gestures spoke volumes. Nikita positioned himself with a hand on his hip, creating a physical barrier between him and Amber. Instead of offering her a reassuring touch, he placed his hands on fellow contestant Ross’s shoulders, a move that seemed to sideline his partner. Amber, undeterred, didn’t hold back, playfully jabbing at Nikita’s singing with a quip: “Where do we start?” Her bold critique only added fuel to the fire of their strained dynamic.
Despite the off-stage tension, James believes Amber and Nikita have the potential to go far in the competition. Their talent could carry them to the top—but only if they can navigate their clashing dynamics. “Their Strictly experience will probably work best if Amber becomes human blotting paper, soaking up Nikita’s coaching rather than pushing forward,” James advised. For now, the ballroom remains a battleground, and all eyes are on whether this fiery duo can find harmony or if their power struggle will steal the show.