Strictly's Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice charmed viewers on Saturday evening with their Timon and Pumbaa Cha Cha - but rumours of discord between them have plagued the couple since the beginning of the series.
The 2021 pro champion and radio star Richie were hit with reports of a falling out during training, with them said to not get along.
Both Richie and Giovanni rubbished the rumours, insisting that they got on well.
However, body language expert Judi James has suggested that all might not be so well, judging from a few telling gestures.
She told the Mirror: "Richie and Giovanni failed to gel again this week in a ‘fun’ routine that involved Richie leaping about dressed as a meercat while Giovanni, dressed as a warthog, pretended to flirt with Shirley behind a large leaf while waggling his bum at Anton. When their ‘kiss’ was over Shirley performed an over-kill fake laugh and was excited enough to reward them with a score of 8.
"There are so many signs to suggest a lack of authentic or spontaneous synchronicity between Gio and Richie, and prancing in big padded suits barely helped the cause.
"Even their entrance routine, when all the dancers first arrive on stage, lacked synchronicity. It looked as though Gio motioned for Richie to spin when he did but Richie just carried on bopping.
"The guys sit apart during rehearsals and their brief hugs entail hard pats from Giovanni, which is often seen as a signal to break. Both men adopted a fig leaf pose on the balcony, which is usually the ultimate barrier gesture.
"Even when they got their score of 8 from Shirley, Richie turned to Gio to celebrate but there was an awkward non-hug. Richie still does all the talking and Gio stood beside him, nodding his head but not speaking.
"Giovanni is still the star of the show, having won last season and also won TV awards for his amazing dance with Rose after that. Now he’s dressed as a warthog, mock-kissing Shirley.
"There is potential for these two men to do well in the competition but they still don’t seem to have created the kind of chemistry the fans love yet.
"Shirley loved it."
*Strictly airs tonight at 7.20pm on BBC One
