Cheryl Burke recently made headlines in 2025 related to her return to Dancing with the Stars in a non-dancing role. Here’s what seems to have happened and the key details. What happened to Cheryl Burke
- She departed as a professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars after 26 seasons, with her farewell in Season 31 in 2022 described as emotional and significant for her career. She later explained that retirement was driven by a combination of physical wear-and-tear and a desire to explore new opportunities beyond performing on the show.
- After a hiatus from performing on DWTS, she returned to the DWTS ballroom in October 2025 as a guest judge for Season 34, specifically for Halloween Night. This marked her first appearance back on the show in a judging capacity rather than as a competitor.
Context and background
- Burke was a longtime DWTS pro and the first female competitor to win the Mirrorball Trophy, achieving back-to-back victories. Her initial retirement was framed as a step back from performance to focus on other opportunities and personal evolution.
- The October 2025 reports indicate she spoke about coming back in a different capacity, acknowledging the demanding schedule of DWTS and emphasizing excitement about contributing from a broader perspective as a judge.
Why the return happened (themes from coverage)
- Her return is framed as a guest-judge appearance rather than a full-time comeback as a performer. It appears to be a celebration of her legacy on DWTS and a chance to share her experience with current contestants, aligning with the show’s Halloween Night special format.
- Public statements referenced nostalgia, the evolution of her career, and a desire to participate in DWTS again in a way that leverages her expertise without the physical demands of competing.
If you’d like, I can gather more specifics about:
- The exact dates and episodes of her guest-judge appearance.
- Any notable critiques or moments from her judging stint.
- How fans and former co-stars reacted to her return.
Would you like me to pull the latest details on her guest-judge appearance and reception?
