Allie in Off Campus and the cast of Off Campus
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Body language expert claims Mika Abdalla has a ‘one-sided crush’ on Off Campus co-star

And no, it's not the guy who plays Dean

Daisy Phillipson
3rd June 2026, 17:34
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Following the news Allie star Mika Abdalla has broken up with her long-term partner Jake Short, new rumours have surfaced that she was getting close to an Off Campus co-star – but before you say it, it’s not Dean actor Stephen Kalyn.

Inevitably, Off Campus fans are doing their best to “reign in” their parasocial behaviours after Mika’s rep confirmed her and Jake have parted ways. 

Despite her character’s undeniable chemistry with Dean in the Prime Video series, that doesn’t mean the actors have to date in real life. 

And as many fans have pointed out, Stephen Kalyn’s fiancee was the one who urged him to audition for the role, having read Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus book series. 

Dean and Allie in Off Campus
Credit: Prime Video

But during the press run, a number of fans couldn’t help but point out the chemistry between Mika and Josh Heuston, who plays Hannah’s (Ella Bright) initial love interest Justin. 

As one wrote in response to a recent interview, “Something’s definitely cooking between Mika and Josh,” while another quipped, “New couple alert.”

Obviously, this is all just speculation, but celebrity body language expert Inbaal Honigman has weighed in on the rumours amid the news of Mika’s split from Jake.

Speaking on behalf of Casino.ca, she said, “Mika is crazy about Josh, and she wants to be closer and closer to him, but Josh only returns Mika’s affections in part. 

“Josh is not devoted to Mika; in fact, he’s keeping his options open. There’s likely another lady on the scene for Josh.”

Inbaal analysed footage of Mika and Josh together, noting that they are seen “messing around, play-fighting, and generally looking for reasons to touch each other, make eye contact, or lean towards one another.”

She discovered this in multiple interviews, noting how “tactile moments” such as tapping each other’s knees, shoulders, and palms are often short and light, and they both avoid any overly intimate areas. 

“But they are constant, indicating that the two like to demonstrate to each other that they are present and supportive of one another. There’s a friendship there for sure, but for Josh, this is all that there is,” Inbaal explained.

“But it is quite clear that Mika is the leading party in this touch-fest. When Josh holds her by the hand, his one proffered hand meets both of her hands. When he touches her lightly, Mika places her hand on his knee and just leaves it there. 

“Her bright smile and giggles make those exchanges appear cute and noncommittal, but in fact all the touching communicates a clear desire to be close to Josh. She fancies him, and he’s on board with it – up to a point.”

As for why she believes Josh isn’t as committed, Inbaal said, “Josh frequently turns his eyes away from Mika, breaking their eye contact prematurely. 

“He’s also seen linking his hands together in front of his body when they’re being interviewed, which is a blocking move; it suggests that he’s trying to keep himself to himself. 

“And there are moments when Josh compresses his lips, which is a mouth blocking move that happens when he tries not to say too much, not to reveal his true intentions.”

For now, it’s worth remembering that this is simply one expert’s interpretation of their interactions, and neither actor has suggested there’s anything more than friendship between them.

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Featured image credit: Prime Video/John Lamparski/Shutterstock