In p‑p-poker a 'tell' is the subtle shift in a player's face or body language that reveals what is really going on behind a carefully constructed facade.
For the past several months we have all observed X Factor finalist Christopher Maloney's cool, steely visage and as a nation we have asked one question: what is going on behind that emotionless exterior?
To unravel Maloney's persona is to immerse oneself in a complex game of bluff and double bluff. And he has been playing a very clever game. But behind those blank expressions you will find — if you look closely — an intricately woven identity.
We can now walk you through (in pictures!) Chris Maloney's subtle 'tells' — and finally discover what they mean.
1. Emotional
Observe the very slight watering of the eye. The almost invisible-to-the-naked-eye contortion of the mouth. Chris Maloney doesn't want you to see it — but he's feeling quite emotional.
2. Emotional
If you look at Chris' hands, you'll notice that they have raised very slightly. He's trying to hide it — but he's emotional.
3. Emotional
Chris doesn't want anyone to see but he's crying in this photograph. Crying is a classic 'tell' — it means he is emotional.
4. Emotional
Look closely at Chris' mouth and you'll see that as he receives shocking news his lips part very slightly. Another typical 'tell' that Chris is emotional.
5. Emotional
This 'tell', similar to the one before it, is so subtle that we've had to circle it for you. There are many layers of implied meaning here, but basically Chris is feeling emotional.
6. Emotional
It would take decades for most poker players to learn how to decode the almost subliminal message in this facial expression. But while Chris is trying his best to conceal it, we can reveal that he is in fact feeling emotional.
7. Emotional
He's using a microphone here — a classic distraction technique — but observe the very very minor change in the colour of Maloney's skin tone in this photograph. This denotes emotion. Also, again, very slightly parted lips. These too mean that he is emotional. He definitely does not want you to know this though, hence the microphone.
8. Emotional
Chris Maloney's aim throughout The X Factor has been to conceal his true feelings. This is because he wants to be judged on his potential as a performer and DEFINITELY DOES NOT want to try and engage voters by appearing emotional. We had to call in a body language expert to unravel this particularly mysterious piece of imagery. "He's emotional," they said.
9. Emotional
The very subtle raised hand, the contorted face. He's feeling emotional.
10. Emotional
Well to be fair he's just shat himself.
Conclusion
We hope this study has been interesting.
Despite attempting to conceal his true state of mind, it seems that Christopher Maloney has been feeling emotional on numerous occasions. Although we have seen through his poker face, we applaud his attempt not to use his emotions to sway the public. For his honesty, we hope he wins.