MIKE Tindall didn’t care about winning I’m A Celebrity, a body language expert has revealed.
The 44-year-old grinned as he was greeted by wife Zara, who is the late Queen’s granddaughter, after being booted off the show last night.
As he was reunited with Zara, 41, after 22 days in the jungle, Mike showed three signs he wasn’t bothered about not winning the show, according to body language pro Judi James.
She told The Sun: “Mike’s ritual of celebration at being told Zara was waiting to greet him shows clearly and congruently that seeing his wife is far more important than winning King of the Jungle for the ex rugby star.
“Mike’s been suppressing many emotions in the jungle in a bid to appear strong and protective to the others but his facial expression melts to soppy at the mention of Zara’s name.
“His eyes squeeze tight shut in a moment of intense pleasure and he dips his head to hide the wide, dimpled smile that breaks out.
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“He brings his right hand up in a fist of victory and pulls it down vertically to perform an act of celebration akin to scoring a try on the rugby pitch.”
Judi also pointed out that Mike didn’t stop and pose for photos on the famous bridge as other celebrities usually do – and instead immediately hugged Zara.
She added: “Most celebs pause on their mark at the end of the bridge to pose for the all-important press photos and partners often only get to rush in at the last minute as the credits are rolling.
“Mike drops any idea of vanity or fame-seeking here though, with his eyes scanning for his wife as he walks down the bridge.
“You can spot the exact moment Zara hones into view by his change in facial expression.
“When he sees her his mouth drops open in a soppy, wide smile and his eye expression softens in the look of love.
Zara, who was dressed in a blue playsuit, was seen running to hug her husband after he lost out on a place in the final on Friday night.
Judi also noted that Mike clung onto Zara for almost 12 seconds – showing he was more excited about seeing her than staying on the show.
She said: “Their hug is tight but instead of patting and breaking after a few seconds they both move to intensify it one stage further by bringing their arms higher around each other’s backs.
“Instead of kissing they have a need to communicate as they hug, with each speaking into the other’s ear.
“Mike’s groan and the sound of sadness and possible tears in their tone as he says how much he has missed her and asks if she’s alright suggests they’ve been in mourning for each other’s company during his jungle stint.
“This hug goes on for almost 12 seconds, which might not be a record in non-royal terms but for the royal family it is at least 11.9 seconds longer than any seen before.”
Former England rugby ace, Mike, became the Australian-based show’s biggest signing when he agreed to be part of the celebrity cast this year.
And he went on to win over fans with his sense of humour, stoicism during gruesome Bushtucker Trials and eye-catching budgie-smuggler pants.
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His stint has also seen him give fascinating insights into the Royal Family and his relationship with Zara, who he married in 2011.
Matt Hancock, Owen Warner and Jill Scott are the final three standing and they will battle it out to be named king or queen of the jungle tonight.
