TJ Holmes & Amy Robach’s rebrand TikToks show ‘desperate desire for approval, but she’s still angry about TV sacking’
TJ HOLMES and Amy Robach are pressing on with their big online comeback, having initially ditched social media in the wake of their affair.
But according to a body language expert, their TikToking efforts show a couple worlds apart in messaging, with one now drowning in “angst.”
TJ, 46, and Amy, 50, released TikTok videos on Wednesday, with the pair saying it was their first time posting on the app.
“Took me long enough, but I’m finally on TikTok. So please, allow me to reintroduce myself,” TJ said.
“I know, I know, I am embarrassingly behind with TikTok,” the podcast co-host added at the end of a photo montage, giving what body language expert Judi James labeled a “teen vibe.”
Amy also shared her first TikTok clip, writing, “Late to the game, I know… but excited to join everyone here.”
James claimed the mom of two looked “assertive” as she stared directly into the lens, talking about how some people knew her from her “former career” in TV while others knew her from “the tabloids.”
“No matter the different styles, Amy and TJ’s first TikToks both show a desperate desire for approval,” James told The U.S. Sun.
“This is the world Amy and TJ have entered as they try to rebrand and re-market themselves.
“But teen-looking TJ seems apologetic, tentative, and embarrassed. He showed utter angst, rolling his eyes in exasperation.”
James pointed to TJ’s “tongue poke” as a sign of rejection and disgust and a “mouth shrug of regret.”
“In contrast, Amy’s gestures suggested a firm and assertive approach to her solo rebrand,” she continued.
“Her narrative was a series of euphemistic cliches that aimed to create a PR version of what happened.
“She did show suppressed anger and balled her hand into a fist.
“Amy punched the air when she mentioned her former TV career.”
TJ continued his contrasting TikTok delivery with boyish gestures and “gushing” comments.
“My name is TJ Holmes, and I am a dad, a runner, a damn good cook, a Razorback. I am a podcaster, a partner, and a longtime broadcast journalist,” he said.
James said his bizarre body language showed plenty of remorse.
“He acted like a teen gushing out his thoughts in his bedroom,” she said.
“His upper arms are pulled into his torso, and his head is closest to the camera to create a hint of non-verbal apology.
TJ even said that Princess Bride is his favorite movie
Judi James
“His first facial expression is an overkill gesture of total embarrassment.
“TJ’s face was scrunched tight in an exaggerated wince, and he threw his head back with his brows steepled.
“His teen vibe returned at the end when he discussed his tattoos and dislike of certain vegetables.
“He even said that Princess Bride is his favorite movie.
“This desire to be cute looked like another ingratiation technique to be liked.
“Cute behaviors are often pseudo-infantile motivational techniques aimed at deflecting any attacks or criticism.”
Meanwhile, Amy stated in her clip that she had chosen love and felt excited about the future.
She explained what she was passionate about and that she “loves trying new things.”
“I hope I can show you who the real me is,” she said firmly.
But viewers had some criticism and advice.
Amy’s use of cliches also suggested a desire to be private rather than opening up with her feelings
Judi James
“You have to be kidding me! Could you two be any more desperate!!” wrote one.
“Be a journalist. Don’t discuss your personal life,” another said.
James said Amy’s body language showed her determination to control the narrative.
“There is a small chopping gesture that suggests finality,” she said.
“Even when she mentions her love life, she follows it with a small lip lick.
“She said she was living her truth but then sucked her lips in and clamped them in a gesture of regret.
“Amy wants to take back the narrative, but [saying she] ‘can’t wait’ looks incongruent.
“Her use of cliches also suggested a desire to be private rather than opening up with her feelings.
“Amy said she wanted people to know who she was and uses a barrage of cliches that emerge in her solo spot.”
The former GMA presenters took an online hiatus after losing their jobs with ABC last year.
When their affair became public, their relationship heated up.
Amy and TJ were photographed regularly showing PDA in New York and looked happy and loved up on romantic vacations in Miami and Mexico.
While the couple continued to date, they ended their respective marriages.
Amy split from actor Andrew Shue, and TJ divorced lawyer Marilee Feibig.
The couple’s November podcast launch told a different story.
Amy and TJ admitted to consuming quite a lot of booze and cited plenty of turmoil and familial stress.
Their January 11 episode discussed their past alcohol consumption and their decision to give up booze for Dry January.
“We are going to be honest about our alcohol intake,” TJ said, looking serious before
TJ went on, “I am certainly somebody who right now and in years past needs to reexamine my relationship with alcohol, and that’s what we are doing.”
The former GMA host explained he could go through 18 drinks daily, adding that he would be “two drinks in” by 10 in the morning.
“I left social media altogether for the year,” before adding, “It was a year of hell,” he said in his TikTok.
“I guess going through it, I would have called it the worst year of my life,” he added.
James suggested TJ was indeed “sticking to his plan.”
“The way he brings the index finger and his eye gazes down together in an emphatic baton suggests he is sticking to his plan,” she said.
“This might otherwise involve cut-offs.
“He might not be enjoying it though.
“When he said it was going well, his eyes moved up to the right. This could give the impression of being shifty at this point.
“But it could mean TJ is taking it one day at a time which is usually the correct approach.”
The U.S. Sun reported poor ratings have marred Amy and TJ’s attempts at podcasting success.
Their iHeartMedia collaboration ranking plummeted in January in the US charts and fell to the 243rd spot.
James claimed the couple’s new online media careers are a world away from TV journalism.
“TJ’s TV power suits have been exchanged for sporty black T-shirts and running gear,” she said.
“This is similar to Amy’s once perfectly styled hair and glamorous fitted dresses.
“Celebrities like them who can not cut it on the TV screen anymore often self-publish on the small screens of their phone cameras.
“They are, however, trying to enjoy total editorial control.
“TJ and Amy’s re-brand courtesy of Tik-Tok has thrown up many questionable and contrasting non-verbal and verbal signals.”