Zendaya takes the lead in her relationship with Tom Holland according to ‘pecking order signals,’ claims a body language expert.

The 27-year-old Hollywood actress appears to dominate the relationship, as seen during a walk with the actor, also 27, in Richmond this week. Zendaya was photographed ‘striding ahead,’ while Tom was seen ‘reaching out his arm for support,’ suggesting her dominant role.

Despite this, Judi James told MailOnline they are a ‘like-minded’ and ‘complementary’ couple due to Tom’s ‘quiet confidence.’ She explained, “Without his trademark boyish grin, Tom is almost unrecognizable here. There’s a quiet confidence in how he walks with both arms held away from his torso. However, the body language power dynamics suggest Zendaya takes the lead, walking in front with her head raised, while Tom follows behind, even grabbing her arm and using her as a shield from the press at one point.”

James also noted their mirrored moments indicate they are a like-minded couple, with gestures and outfit choices making them look complementary rather than identical. “Tom looks more laid-back, happy to amble along with the dog, while Zendaya seems in more of a hurry, her free hand balled into a fist, suggesting a sense of tension absent in Tom’s pose.”

The couple was seen walking their dog around West London, dressed casually and looking different from their usual red carpet style. Zendaya wore a cream jumper, ripped jeans, white trainers, and a black shoulder bag, while Tom sported a white T-shirt, black trousers, and trainers, with a denim jacket slung over his bag.

Since the play began, Tom has debuted a new cropped haircut, and hundreds of fans gather outside the stage door each night to see him. The production has attracted a star-studded audience, with Anya Taylor-Joy and Lewis Hamilton spotted at the theatre. Despite being told there would be ‘no autographs or selfies,’ Tom waves to fans each night.

In February, over 60,000 fans scrambled to buy tickets for Tom’s West End run, selling out in two hours, with some comparing the strеss to securing Taylor Swift’s Eras tour tickets.

Zendaya joined Tom at the press night performance, showing her support and leaving hand-in-hand. The actress appears to be staying in London with Tom during his West End stint, as they bought a West London home several years ago.

Tom previously revealed he keeps his relationship with Zendaya private because their bond is the ‘thing he keeps most sacred,’ preferring to keep it as removed from Hollywood as possible. They have kept their romance low-key since being first linked in 2017 after starring together in the Spider-Man franchise.Last year, Tom said on Jay Shetty’s podcast, “My relationship is the thing I keep most sacred. I don’t talk about it. I try my best to keep it as private as possible. We both feel like that is the healthiest way for us to move on as a couple.”