Cheryl Burke is returning to Dancing with the Stars for the Tuesday, October 28, episode, also known as Halloween Night. She will be a guest judge alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
Key Takeaways
- This is Burke’s first return in three years.
- She has a complicated past with the show.
- Burke has been reminiscing about her humble beginnings on social media.
Inside Burke’s History With DWTS
Burke is a two-time champion on Dancing with the Stars. She won during Seasons 2 and 3, when she was partnered with Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith, respectively.
But she left after the Season 31 finale. Burke announced that she was taking to the ballroom floor to perform her “farewell” dance. “It is time for me to begin the next phase of my career, although dance will always be a part of me,” Burke wrote on Instagram at the time.
Understandably, DWTS fans wanted to know why Burke swiftly left the show. In 2024, on her podcast, she revealed that she had never received a promotion. She slowly stepped away, but wanted to be honored during the Season 31 finale.
“It was a fight that my team had to really put their foot down and basically put everything into perspective for them,” Burke explained. “Like, ‘wow, you don’t want to give her anything, not even a little goodbye?'”
Strangely enough, this gave her the “closure” that she needed. Despite her complex history with the show, Burke told PEOPLE that she wanted to return on different terms.
“I’m here for the couples, and I really hope to be able to give constructive criticism, but also be encouraging,” Burke said. (Find out Burke’s empowering reason for why she’s single.)
Going Back to Her Humble Beginnings
Burke isn’t focused on what the tabloids and gossip blogs have to say about her exit. She’s made it clear that she’s “grateful” for the opportunity the show has given her.
On Instagram, Burke posted her 2005 audition tape for DWTS. “My name is Cheryl Burke. I’m a professional Latin dancer and I bring a lot of energy and wild and sexy moves on the dance floor,” she remarked.
In her caption, she noted, “This moment started it all — my very first DWTS audition, 20 years ago… Coming back now as a guest judge feels surreal! Here’s to growth, gratitude, and the magic of never giving up. 💃🏻🙏🏼”
Tonight is a big night for Burke. It’s her 20-year anniversary. She still feels like that young girl who was filled with hopes and dreams. Last year, Burke suggested that the show return to its original premise.
What are your thoughts on Burke’s return to DWTS? Sound off below in the comments section.
