Cheryl Burke is back in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom, but this time, she’s no longer a pro—she’s a judge for Season 34’s Halloween Night.
The former pro joins Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and fellow former pro Derek Hough at the judges’ table. So, what made her hang up her dancing shoes back then?
Why Did Cheryl Burke Leave Dancing with the Stars?
In a post on Instagram, Burke opened up about her Dancing with the Stars return after three years.
“It’s been three years since my final dance and official retirement, and I still remember that night like it was yesterday,” she said. “To return now, from the other side of the floor, is something I’ll never take for granted.”
Having been part of the show from Seasons 2 to 19 and returning for Seasons 23 to 26, she won the Mirrorball twice. So, it’s no surprise that the dancer-model admitted back in 2022 that being a pro took a toll on her.
“There is wear and tear,” she told E! News. “But also, my heart is telling me to see what else is out there. We are human, and we evolve. I do. At least, I would like to say that I am a work in progress forever.”
Despite being famous for DWTS, she was confident that her departure wouldn’t mark the end of her career but rather the start of a new chapter.
“I want to be able to see what else is out there,” she continued. “And Dancing with the Stars—the schedule is so intense. I’ve got so many projects that I’ve been working on.”
Still, she believes that her retirement was the best move she’s made, even though it wasn’t an easy decision.
“This show has been my second family since I was 21 years old,” she said in a post on Instagram at the time. “The cast, crew, and fans have seen me through my highest highs and some of my lowest lows, and I honestly don’t know who I would be today without them. I also know that it’s time for me to begin the next phase of my career, although dance will always be a part of me.”
At the time, the podcast host was looking forward to expanding her commitment to mental health advocacy, focusing on her newfound love for podcasting, and embracing the uncertainties ahead.
Does Cheryl Burke Regret Speaking Against Dancing with the Stars?
Burke once spoke out against Dancing with the Stars, fighting for her farewell performance and admitting she lost “friendships along the way.”
She even called out the show for not inviting her to honor the late judge Len Goodman during its “Most Memorable Year” episode in October 2023. She also revealed in April 2024 that she no longer felt like part of the DWTS family.
But despite everything she has said, the 41-year-old confidently shared that she has no regrets.
“It’s my experience,” she told People. “Unfortunately, when it comes to headlines, I can’t control that, and we all know that headlines sometimes focus on the negative. But within the context of what I’ve always said, I’ve always gone back to how grateful I am to have been part of such a huge, iconic show like Dancing with the Stars.”
In fact, she’s genuinely excited to be back and knows it’s “gonna to be emotional.”
“I am here in a different way this time,” she continued. “I’m here for the couples, and I really hope to be able to give constructive criticism but also be encouraging. And I know what it takes — I’ve been there.”
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to source for film, TV, and celebrity news!