After years of candid criticism following her 2022 departure, veteran pro Cheryl Burke made a highly anticipated and emotional comeback to Dancing With the Stars as a guest judge, signaling a new chapter in her complex relationship with the iconic ballroom competition and delighting fans with a nod to late judge Len Goodman.
In a move that has both surprised and delighted the Dancing With the Stars fan community, longtime pro Cheryl Burke returned to the ballroom as a guest judge for the show’s October 28 episode. This highly anticipated appearance marked her first time back since her departure in 2022, and it served as a poignant moment for both Burke and the show’s dedicated viewership.
Burke, 41, joined the esteemed judging panel alongside Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli for “Halloween Night.” Her return was particularly meaningful as it coincided with the show’s 20-year milestone, a period during which Burke herself contributed significantly across 26 seasons.
A Candid History: Speaking Out and Finding Peace
Her return comes three years after she made the difficult decision to step away from the series after 17 years. While her departure was voluntary, Burke has been openly critical about elements of her experience, stating that she had to “fight” for her farewell performance and “lost friendships along the way.” These comments shed light on the deeper emotional toll her time on the show took.
One of the most notable instances of her public dissatisfaction occurred in October 2023, when she was not invited back to pay tribute to the late judge Len Goodman during the “Most Memorable Year” episode. This exclusion deeply affected Burke, who had been a staple of the show for so long. She later candidly expressed in April 2024 that she “definitely” no longer felt like part of the DWTS family, a sentiment that resonated with many fans following her journey.
During her podcast, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans,” Burke elaborated on the “ghosting” she experienced from some former co-stars after her exit. She described how the “family element” of the show made such lack of communication particularly painful, especially when the series had been her “whole identity.”
Despite these past grievances, Burke has consistently maintained that she has “no regrets” about speaking her truth. As she told People, “It’s my experience. Unfortunately, when it comes to headlines, I can’t control that, and we all know that headlines, unfortunately, sometimes focus on negative stuff.” She emphasized her enduring gratitude for the show, viewing relationships, including professional ones, as having “ups and downs.”
Embracing Gratitude: A New Chapter
Burke’s recent comments reveal a shift towards embracing the positive impact DWTS had on her life. She acknowledged that the show “has taught me to have my own voice” and “has shaped me into the woman I am today.” This perspective underscores a journey of healing and appreciation, moving beyond the disappointments to recognize the foundational role the competition played.
Her return as a judge was described as “emotional” but approached with a different mindset. Instead of competing, Burke aimed to provide constructive criticism and encouragement, leveraging her extensive experience to support the current couples. This new role allowed her to engage with the show on different terms, focusing on mentorship rather than the intense competitive pressure she once faced.
Reunions and Fan Reactions
Interestingly, Burke admitted that she hadn’t spoken to many of the pros or judges in her three years away, making her return a “huge reunion.” However, a special moment unfolded after the show when former DWTS host Tom Bergeron reached out to Burke with a supportive text. Bergeron, who himself had a controversial exit from the show in 2020, praised her performance, playfully calling her “Cleopaddler” in reference to her Halloween costume and judging duties.
Bergeron’s public shoutout, shared on Instagram, included appreciation for Burke’s tribute to Len Goodman, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans who cherish the show’s legacy. This “mini-reunion” between two beloved figures who experienced contentious departures from DWTS was met with overwhelming warmth from the fan community, with many expressing how it “melts [their] heart” and reaffirming Bergeron as the “best host ever.”
The sentiment from fans regarding Burke’s appearance was largely positive, with many excited to see her back and appreciative of her journey of “reinvention.” Her ability to navigate a complex relationship with the show, voice her grievances, and ultimately return with gratitude, offers a powerful narrative for long-time viewers.
What’s Next for Cheryl Burke?
While her guest judging stint was a significant event, Burke continues to explore her path post-DWTS. She has acknowledged the “scary” unknown that comes with leaving a defining career, but views it as an essential part of taking risks and growing. Her return as a judge not only showcased her enduring talent and insights but also highlighted her evolving relationship with the series that profoundly shaped her life.
This guest appearance marks not just a return to the stage, but a testament to reconciliation and the complex, human relationships that exist even within the brightest lights of reality television. For fans, it’s a reaffirmation that even after “ups and downs,” the ballroom remains a place where legacies, and sometimes even friendships, can find new footing.
