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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Judi James & Frances Kindon

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton's 'awkward' first pic 'lacks sexuality and closeness'

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton have finally confirmed their romance with a sweet snap on Instagram .

The picture posted to Stacey's story shows the Strictly Come Dancing partners-turned-lovers standing staring off into the distance, with Kevin's arm thrown casually around her shoulders.

But author and body language expert Judi James says the image lacks the sexuality and intimacy you'd expect to see in a new couple, and asks why they've seemingly gone to such lengths to hide their attraction...

Karen Clifton ditches married name as Kevin moves on with Stacey Dooley

Stacey and Kevin made their Instagram debut as a couple (Instagram/sjdooley)
They were extremely tactile on Strictly Come Dancing (PA)

"Is there anything Stacey might need to learn from looking at her and Kevin’s first ‘coupled-up’ body language in this shot?

"Firstly, why are they still appearing to use signals of high sociability, apparently still looking away and chatting or engaging with other people around them as they did on the show, rather than going all out and posing as a couple in love?

"Why not display the kind of exclusive signals of the early days in a relationship when a couple either gaze at or focus on one another, or use the camera to define their feelings openly by looking straight into it?

'I thought Kevin Clifton was gay... not cheating on me with Karen,' says ex wife

They shared great chemistry on the show (BBC)

"Secondly, why keep any sexual signals on a back burner now the secret is apparently out?

"Stacey’s torso might be turned into Kevin here but there’s no sign of snuggling or close touch.

"And Kevin’s torso is turned fully forward to suggest a desire to be seen in full rather than turning to Stacey.

"His cheek-rounding grin makes him look very pleased with himself but it’s not mirroring Stacey’s wide smile, which has hints of shyness or awkwardness here.

"The way both stand with their legs splayed could suggest confidence and even some defiance as they pose but the gesture is made incongruent by their hand positions.

"Kevin’s is stuffed right in his pocket, which is often seen as a desire to hide and Stacey’s is covered by the sleeve of her jumper, which would signal the same thing."

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