Prepare for “waterworks” as beloved “Dancing with the Stars” legend Cheryl Burke graces the ballroom once again on October 28, 2025, returning as a guest judge three years after her retirement, marking a truly emotional and special Halloween Night.
The highly anticipated return of two-time Mirrorball champion Cheryl Burke to “Dancing with the Stars” for its upcoming Halloween Night on October 28, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement and emotion through the fan community. After a three-year absence from the iconic ballroom, Burke is stepping back onto familiar ground, this time in the esteemed role of a guest judge. She herself has openly predicted a night filled with “waterworks,” signaling the depth of feeling surrounding her reunion with the show that shaped her career.
A Storied Legacy: From Pro to Icon
For 26 seasons, Cheryl Burke captivated audiences as a professional dancer on DWTS, ultimately clinching two coveted Mirrorball trophies. Her dynamic performances and unwavering dedication cemented her status as a fan favorite. In 2022, after nearly two decades with the show, Burke announced her retirement from the ballroom, a decision that left many fans wondering about her future connection to the franchise. Her absence was particularly noted when she wasn’t invited to participate in a tribute dance for the late head judge Len Goodman the following year.
During her hiatus, speculation arose that her candid comments on her now-defunct “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast might have played a role in her extended time away. While Burke admitted she didn’t know if the podcast influenced the decision, she told Deadline that “like any family, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. But at the end of the day, there is still loyalty. I will always love the show. Love is stronger than any type of hate or fear.” This statement underscores her enduring affection for the program despite any past challenges.
The Emotional Homecoming: A Reunion Years in the Making
Burke, 41, is not shy about her expectations for Halloween Night. In an interview with Deadline, she elaborated on the blend of emotions she anticipates. “It’s going to be so special. It’s going to be emotional. It’s going to be pure joy,” Burke stated. She humorously added, “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.”
Her return also marks the first time she will sit alongside the current judging panel: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and fellow former pro Derek Hough. The reunion extends to her former colleagues in the pro dancer lineup, many of whom she hasn’t seen recently. Speaking to People, Burke shared, “it’s gonna be a huge reunion for sure. It’s three years, yet it feels like yesterday. But three years. It’s been a while. I can’t believe it’s been three years.” This sentiment highlights the deep personal connection she maintains with the DWTS family.
From Competitor to Critic: A Judge’s New Perspective
The invitation to return came directly from the show’s producers, a gesture Burke described in a YouTube message as being “beyond grateful” for. She told Variety that she was “never gonna say no,” acknowledging the show’s profound impact on her life. Burke credits DWTS with teaching her “to have my own voice” and shaping her into the woman she is today.
As a guest judge, Burke aims to leverage her extensive experience to offer valuable insights. She expressed her desire to provide “constructive criticism, but also be encouraging,” recognizing the immense effort put in by the professional dancers and their celebrity partners. Having been in their shoes for so many seasons, she understands the physical and mental exhaustion that sets in at this stage of the competition, noting, “the fatigue has set in, and it looks like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.”
Her philosophy for judging reflects her deep empathy for the dancers. Burke emphasized the importance of delivering feedback respectfully, stating, “I don’t believe judges should call the pros out by name. This is about respect, right? I know what it’s like to be a pro, and I think to put ’em on blast is not necessarily constructive.” She believes there’s a way to give feedback without making the pros “feel like crap about the situation.”
Advice for the Remaining Couples
With nine couples remaining in Season 34, the pressure is undoubtedly high. Burke offered timeless advice to the contestants, drawing from her own journey: “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.”
Halloween Night will introduce the memorable “dance monster-thon,” where all nine couples will dance simultaneously until judges tap them out one by one. This challenging element, Burke observes, quickly separates those who can handle the pressure from those who cannot. “The pressure is either gonna take them out of the competition, or it’s only gonna fuel fire,” she noted.
The remaining couples vying for the Mirrorball trophy in Season 34, Episode 7 are:
- Robert Irwin (with Witney Carson)
- Jordan Chiles (with Ezra Sosa)
- Alix Earle (with Val Chmerkovskiy)
- Danielle Fishel (with Pasha Pashko)
- Elaine Hendrix (with Alan Bersten)
- Andy Richter (with Emma Slater)
- Dylan Efron (with Daniella Karagach)
- Jen Affleck (with Jan Ravnik)
- Whitney Leavitt (with Mark Ballas)
A Fan-Favorite’s Enduring Connection
Cheryl Burke’s return is more than just a guest appearance; it’s a symbolic homecoming for a figure deeply ingrained in the DWTS legacy. Her candidness about her emotions, her past experiences, and her continued loyalty to the show resonates strongly with the fan community. As the show celebrates nearly 20 years on air, Burke’s presence as a judge will undoubtedly add a unique blend of historical perspective and empathetic critique to what promises to be an unforgettable Halloween Night.
