'Tension' spotted already between Strictly stars Katya Jones and John Nellis
"Not a good sign"Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones and John Nellis have prompted an early “tension” claim after their partnership reveal.
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman made the assessment while examining the pair’s official promotional photograph. Speaking for Covers.com, she told Express.co.uk that their pose differed noticeably from most newly announced couples.
The YouTuber and professional dancer were among the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 couples revealed during the launch episode. However, their image immediately drew Honigman’s attention because they stood side by side without touching.
Katya Jones and John Nellis draw expert scrutiny
Honigman said: “In their official pose, those two refrain from touching each other at all. Side by side is an unusual choice, as nearly everyone else has posed in a move which requires them to touch. If they’re not keen to be physically close at this stage, this is not the best sign for the rest of the competition.”
The body language expert then added: “John’s clenched hand is a tight fist, which suggests tension; he’s not at all certain that he’s destined for the parquet.”
An exchange during the launch show gave viewers another moment to discuss. Katya suggested audiences might not expect John’s abilities, prompting him to challenge her choice of wording.
John then replied: “I guess I’ll be a diamond in the dirt.”
Emma Willis stepped in and described Katya’s remark as strong praise. The brief exchange showed John challenging how his partner had framed expectations.
Viewers were split over the pairing once it became official. Some celebrated the match and backed John to help Katya challenge for a win.
Others predicted an early exit and questioned whether John could go far.
Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby prompt leadership claim
Katya and John were not the only couple whose photographs attracted Honigman’s scrutiny. She also examined Love Island star Cach Mercer with new professional Maddie Ingoldsby.
Honigman predicted a leadership struggle, arguing that neither person appeared willing to take charge.
Their photograph showed Maddie lifted off the ground while looking towards Cach, who faced the camera. She believed that the eyeline placed Cach in the apparent leading role.
However, she argued his one-handed support and relaxed second arm told a different story. In her reading, Maddie was performing the demanding element of the pose despite its presentation.
Katya and John’s first competitive dance will offer a clearer test than any posed photograph. Viewers will now discover whether the claimed tension disappears once the dancing begins.
TV Guide has contacted the BBC, as well as Katya and John’s representatives for comment.
Read more: Strictly fans go wild over Kai Widdrington’s new look as he’s paired with Delta Goodrem
Strictly continues next Saturday (September 26) from 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
