A BODY language expert has claimed Strictly pro Jowita Przystal is ‘playing up flirting’ with Pete Wicks ahead of the final.
The popular ex-Towie star is one of five remaining celebs in this year’s series.
Body language expert Judi James was speaking exclusively for BetMGM to reveal how key contestants are really feeling.
Viewers previously speculated a possible romance between Pete and Jowita.
In the quarter-final – Musicals Week – the pair performed a Waltz to “Somewhere” from West Side Story.
Discussing their dynamics, Judi said: “Jowita seemed to be using industrial-strength flirt signals to try to hum their act together by adding some acted sexual intrigue.
“As Pete sat cross-legged during rehearsals, Jowita explained the plot of West Side Story using flirtatious facial expressions and gesticulation.
“At one point, she lay on the ground as he stood and wriggled her entire body between his legs and feet just to show him his feet were too far apart.”
Continuing, she added: “Her eye contact is now intense, with a cocked head and an eye-smile.
“Her mouth puckers in a closed lip smile but her cheeks round in a coy look as she tells Pete ‘They fell in love’, making a big play of miming a meeting ritual with her hands in case he didn’t get the verbal message.
“Pete’s tone and expression were deadpan in contrast, but Jowita still did a body shimmy as he spoke, before clutching herself and giggling like a schoolgirl with a crush.
“‘Maria’s really happy’ was her loaded-sounding purr, referring to her own role in the dance.”
Meanwhile, the expert went on to address Pete’s reactions to the flirting.
It comes as the 36-year-old TV personality is rumoured to be dating Maura Higgins – who is currently appearing in I’m A Celebrity.
Judi said: “Pete’s role in this flirting is negligible.
“If he is intending to go pounding off to meet Maura on the jungle bridge soon, she will have nothing to complain about from his body language during the Strictly run.
“Pete looks like a man still giving it his best shot for Jowita’s sake, but whose expectation and confidence have withered inside to walnut-size.
“He even looks mildly incredulous when Shirley starts her layers of gushing praise.
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“He bit his lip and at one point his facial features began to twist with emotion while Jowita started stroking him in more maternal-looking mode.”
Joining Pete in the semi-final are Chris McCausland, Tasha Ghouri, Sarah Hadland and JB Gill.
Who will ultimately lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy?
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
