Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby (Image: ITVX)
Dancing on Ice star Holly Willoughby is “struggling” with Stephen Mulhern in the latest series of The Greatest Show On Ice, according to body language experts.
The fan-favourite presenter returned for the new series of the hit dance show alongside new permanent presenter , who has taken over from .
, who donned a glittering blue dress for the series opener on Sunday, was finding it tough to establish a rapport with her new co-host, said body language analyst Darren Stanton.
He also pointed out an “awkwardness” between the pair, with giving Stephen a “stilted” reaction to his jokes.
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Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots after Sunday night’s series opener, Mr Stanton explained tell-tale signs the pair’s dynamic “isn’t quite there”, including “zero eye contact” and a lack of “matching and mirroring” in their body language.
He said: “I think is struggling to establish a strong level of rapport with Stephen Mulhern. I still don’t think she has the best rapport with him.
“What we are looking at are two very experienced professional presenters, but working as individuals, rather than them coming across as an established duo.
“Holly doesn’t really look at when she’s presenting. There’s pretty much zero eye contact when they both deliver their pieces to camera.
“They are getting on well and do show clear respect for each other, but we don’t see a level of deep rapport and connection through their body language signals and gestures.
“Stephen is very happy-go-lucky and still comes across as pretty natural. Holly appears to have lost some of her confidence, and doesn’t have the same level of panache we’re used to seeing.”
He continued: “With their non-verbal behaviour, Holly flashes masking smiles. She smiles when it’s required, whereas Stephen is much more himself and he comes across more naturally.
“We don’t see a fully engaged genuine smile a lot of the time with Holly. A genuine smile is denoted by crows feet and laugh lines, which we do see from Stephen.
“Stephen is a consummate professional, he takes the lead here and bridges the gap seamlessly, although Holly is still great at what she does. Holly is more controlled and contrived in her emotions.”
Some ITV viewers felt the same way about and Stephen.
@elbowed159320 said: “There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of chemistry between #stephenmulhern and Holly #DancingOnIce.”
@alex_cefai said: “@dancingonice omg Stephen Mulhern is so irritating on this show and there is zero chemistry between him and Holly. It’s so obvious he can’t stand her! So awkward. #dancingonice.”
@tvreality93 said: “On the bright side Stephen works much better with Holly compared to Phillip #DancingOnIce.”