BBC Strictly Come Dancing exit sealed as star 'grows distant' from pro partner backstage

and could be at risk of landing in the bottom two on , claims a body language expert.

The former field hockey player, 36, and her professional partner Nikita, 26, are yet to experience the dreaded dance-off, however, body language and behavioural expert Darren Stanton believes they could be next due to a lack of "confidence" from Sam.

Speaking on behalf of , Darren believes the duo have seen a "dip" as the competition has continued, while their rapport is in a "short supply".

"Nikita and Sam have had this dip in the last couple of weeks, and they've lost a lot of ground," Darren said. "Their rapport is in a bit of short supply, which could be the downfall of them soon."

Speculating about a strain on their partnership, Darren continued: "They're not very tactile or close. Sam has sometimes been quite emotional, which could have affected her concentration and belief system.

"People who tend to get really far in these sorts of competitions are very fixated on the end goal and very focused - they don't let anything get in the way. With Sam and Nikita, she's struggled with some of the moves and had some errors.

"If you've got things on your mind affecting your focus it has a ripple effect, and I believe she struggles with her confidence, which continues to be an issue. I think these two will be going home this weekend."

Darren believes Sam and Nikita will be joined by Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu, who have been in the dance-off twice in the last three weeks.

Convinced the Coronation Street actor has "reached the pinnacle" of his ability on the show, Darren claimed Shayne is now showing signs that he is "beginning to struggle" in the competition.

He added: "He was saved last week from the bottom two, but I think in terms of the connection with Nancy, it's there, but it's not there as much as it is with some of the stronger couples.

"Shayne is flagging now and beginning to struggle, I think we'll definitely see him in the bottom two. He has a good rapport with Nancy but there isn't a deep level of reciprocal liking, there's not much eye contact."