Cheryl Burke Returns to DWTS & Reveals if She Even Speaks to Any of the Pros
As “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 heads into Halloween Night in Week 7, there will be one very special face returning to the ballroom: Cheryl Burke.
Burke is making an appearance on the October 28 show as a guest judge alongside Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli. Ahead of her return, the former DWTS professional dancer has revealed where she stands with the other pros and whether they have stayed in touch since her exit in 2022.
Cheryl Burke Reflects on DWTS Relationships
Burke dedicated 17 years to the ABC dance competition, and fans love her. “It’s gonna be emotional, but I am here in a different way this time,” she told People about returning to the show after her exit three years ago. The interview was published on October 24. “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 have been there.”
Despite almost two decades on the show, she has not stayed in contact with anyone except professional dancer Emma Slater. Slater is still in the running for the Mirrorball Trophy this year alongside her comedian partner, Andy Richter.
Burke said she texted Slater a few times before Season 34 started, People reports. “It’s gonna be a huge reunion for sure,” she said. “I’m just really excited. Calling it nerves will only bring anxiety, so I’m gonna try and switch that to excitement.”
Cheryl Burke’s Dramatic Exit
Burke has been critical of how her exit from the show was handled. She said she “lost friendships along the way.” She was also upset about not being included in the tribute for the late judge Len Goodman in 2023.
“It’s my experience,” she said. “Unfortunately, when it comes to headlines, I can’t control that, and we all know that headlines, unfortunately, sometimes focus on negative stuff. But within the context of what I’ve always said, I’ve always gone back to the fact of how grateful I am to have been a part of such a huge, iconic show like ‘Dancing with the Stars.’”
Despite what has happened since her departure, Burke’s return is incredibly exciting for DWTS viewers. When she teased her return in an Instagram post on October 22, fans flooded the comment section with messages of support.
Reactions include, “SO HAPPY TO HAVE YOU BACK!!!!,” “I’m so ready to see you back in the ballroom!!! We need your judging,” and “I’m so happy my favorite pro dancer will be back in the Ballroom as a guest judge! Miss your dancing and Miss your beautiful self!!!”
Former DWTS host Tom Bergeron also reacted with a message of support. “I’ll be watching,” he wrote.
