Three years after her departure, ballroom icon Cheryl Burke is set to make an emotional comeback to “Dancing with the Stars” as a guest judge for Halloween Night 2025, promising “waterworks” and a heartfelt reunion with the show that profoundly shaped her life.
The “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom is preparing for a deeply emotional homecoming this Halloween Night as fan-favorite professional dancer Cheryl Burke returns to the judging table. On October 28, 2025, Burke, 41, will mark her first appearance on the ABC show in three years, not as a competitor, but as a guest judge, a role she anticipates will bring a flood of emotions.
A Long-Awaited Reunion Filled with “Waterworks”
Burke’s return is more than just a judging stint; it’s a significant reunion. She will sit alongside familiar faces Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough for the first time as a fellow judge. Her excitement, and apprehension, are palpable.
“It’s going to be so special. It’s going to be emotional. It’s going to be pure joy,” Burke shared with Deadline. “It’s going to be all of the feels, so my makeup artist is going to have a hard job trying to glue on my lashes. There will be waterworks, for sure.”
The anticipation extends to her fellow professional dancers, many of whom she hasn’t seen recently. “It’s gonna be a huge reunion for sure,” Burke told People, noting that while three years have passed, it feels like yesterday.
The Road to Retirement and a Triumphant Comeback
A two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, Burke competed for 26 seasons before announcing her retirement from “Dancing with the Stars” in 2022. Her departure, however, was not without its complexities.
The following year, she notably wasn’t asked to participate in a tribute dance for the late head judge Len Goodman. Speculation arose that her comments on her now-defunct “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast might have contributed to the perceived snub. Burke, while acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster inherent in any “family” dynamic, affirmed her enduring loyalty to the show.
“I was part of the show for close to 20 years,” she explained to Deadline. “I’m there to celebrate those 20 years and how the show is still going strong.”
Shifting Roles: From Pro to Esteemed Guest Judge
The invitation to return as a guest judge was a welcome one for Burke. She revealed to Variety that producers reached out to her directly, and she “was never gonna say no.” In a heartfelt video message shared on YouTube, Burke expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity.
“To be invited back, not as a competitor but as someone who can hopefully share my knowledge, my experience, and my love for the craft of ballroom dancing, it is truly such an honor,” she shared with her fans. “I don’t take this lightly whatsoever.”
An Insider’s Perspective on the Competition
Burke’s unique experience as a long-standing pro provides her with an invaluable perspective at the judging table. She understands the immense pressure and physical toll the competition takes, especially as the season progresses.
She aims to provide not only constructive criticism but also genuine encouragement to the nine remaining couples. Burke is acutely aware that at this stage, “people are exhausted. The fatigue has set in, and it looks like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.”
Her advice to the couples reflects this empathy: “Don’t aim for perfection, because what is that, anyway? Beauty is in the imperfections, for sure, and to always dance as if it’s your last dance, because you never know.”
The Spooky Challenge: Dance Monster-Thon
Halloween Night will also feature the show’s memorable dance marathon element, dubbed the “Dance Monster-Thon.” This intense challenge will see all nine couples simultaneously take to the ballroom floor, with judges tapping them out one by one.
Burke notes the psychological aspect of such a grueling event. “If you think too far in advance, it does get very overwhelming,” she said. “But as soon as they start to do two dances, you’ll be able to see the difference of people who will be able to make it to the end versus not. There’s no gray area here. The pressure is either gonna take them out of the competition, or it’s only gonna fuel fire.”
Cheryl Burke’s Enduring Legacy on DWTS
Beyond the competition, Burke’s return is a testament to the profound impact “Dancing with the Stars” has had on her life. She credits the show with teaching her “to have my own voice” and shaping her “into the woman I am today.”
Her guest judging role on Halloween Night is more than just a temporary stint; it’s a celebration of nearly two decades of dedication to the craft and a heartfelt reconnection with a show that has been a defining chapter of her career. Her emotional comeback promises to be a highlight for both the cast and the dedicated fanbase.
