Cheryl Burke‘s Emotional Comeback to Dancing With the Stars as Guest Judge After Three-Year Hiatus

In a heartwarming twist that has fans buzzing with excitement, Cheryl Burke is set to grace the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ stage once more, stepping in as a guest judge for the highly anticipated Halloween theme night. This marks her first appearance on the beloved competition show in three years, a comeback that’s already stirring emotions across social media and among longtime viewers of DWTS.

The announcement, revealed during a recent episode teaser, comes at a pivotal moment for the series, which continues to captivate audiences with its blend of glamour, drama, and dance prowess. Burke, a two-time champion and one of the longest-serving professionals on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ left the show after 26 seasons in 2022, citing personal growth and a desire for new challenges. Her return as a guest judge isn’t just a nostalgic nod—it’s a poignant reflection on the bonds she’s forged with the cast and crew over nearly two decades.

Viewers can expect Burke to bring her signature sharp wit, technical expertise, and empathetic judging style to the October 29 episode, where contestants will don spooky costumes and perform routines inspired by ghosts, ghouls, and everything eerie. As the Cheryl Burke comeback unfolds, it’s clear this isn’t merely a one-off gig; it’s a chapter in her enduring love affair with Dancing With the Stars.

Cheryl Burke’s Storied Journey from Pro Dancer to DWTS Icon

Cheryl Burke’s connection to ‘Dancing With the Stars’ runs deep, spanning 17 seasons as a professional dancer from 2006 to 2022. Her debut on the show was nothing short of explosive; partnering with Emmitt Smith, the NFL legend, she clinched the inaugural Mirrorball Trophy in Season 3, setting a tone of triumph that would define her career. That victory wasn’t a fluke—Burke went on to win again in Season 7 with Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic gold medalist figure skater, amassing a record that places her among the elite in DWTS history.

Over the years, Cheryl Burke became synonymous with the show’s evolution. She danced with a diverse array of celebrities, from actors like Jack Osbourne and Tom Bergeron to musicians like Drew Carey and athletes like Apolo Ohno. Each partnership brought unique stories: the emotional highs of surviving cancer with partner Bill Engvall, or the rigorous training montages with high-energy performers like Rashad Jennings. Statistics from the show’s archives highlight her impact—Burke holds the record for the most consecutive seasons as a pro, appearing in 26 out of 32 seasons before her departure.

Her on-screen presence was magnetic. Fans adored her bubbly personality, often highlighted in behind-the-scenes footage where she’d share laughs with co-pros like Derek Hough and Val Chmerkovskiy. But it wasn’t all sequins and spotlights; Burke navigated controversies, including a brief hiatus in 2011 due to a foot injury and public scrutiny over her pairings. Yet, through it all, she emerged as a pillar of resilience, often crediting Dancing With the Stars for shaping her into the performer and person she is today.

In interviews post-departure, Burke has reminisced about these moments. “DWTS wasn’t just a job; it was family,” she told Entertainment Weekly in 2023. “Every lift, every dip, every critique—it all built something unbreakable.” This legacy makes her guest judge role a fitting homecoming, allowing her to influence the next generation of dancers from the judging panel.

Memorable Partnerships That Defined Her DWTS Tenure

To understand Burke’s indelible mark on the show, consider her standout collaborations:

• Emmitt Smith (Season 3, 2006): Their championship samba routines showcased raw athleticism, drawing record viewership of over 20 million for the finale.
• Kristi Yamaguchi (Season 7, 2008): A technical masterpiece, with Yamaguchi’s skating precision translating seamlessly to the dance floor, earning perfect scores in multiple weeks.
• Jack Osbourne (Season 17, 2013): Amid Osbourne’s battle with multiple sclerosis, Burke’s supportive partnership highlighted the show’s human side, inspiring viewers worldwide.
• Rashad Jennings (Season 24, 2017): Their high-energy contemporary dances propelled them to victory, blending NFL agility with ballroom finesse.

These pairings not only racked up wins but also amassed millions of social media impressions, with Burke’s Instagram following surging to over 1.2 million during peak seasons. Her ability to adapt to partners’ strengths—whether comedic timing or dramatic flair—cemented her as the “go-to” pro for transformative journeys on Dancing With the Stars.

Unpacking the Reasons for Cheryl Burke’s Three-Year Absence from DWTS

The three-year hiatus that preceded this Cheryl Burke comeback was far from abrupt; it was a deliberate pivot born out of personal and professional evolution. In November 2022, after her final season partnering with Sam Champion, Burke announced her exit from ‘Dancing With the Stars’ via an emotional Instagram live. “I’ve given everything to this show, and now it’s time to dance to my own rhythm,” she shared, her voice cracking with a mix of gratitude and finality.

At the heart of her departure was a quest for authenticity. Burke had long balanced the demands of DWTS with her personal life, including a high-profile divorce from Matthew Lawrence in 2020 and the rigors of maintaining peak physical condition. The COVID-19 pandemic added layers of complexity, with virtual rehearsals and safety protocols straining even the most seasoned pros. Data from industry reports, such as those from Variety, noted a 15% dip in dancer retention across competition shows during this period, underscoring the burnout many faced.

Post-DWTS, Burke channeled her energy into new ventures. She launched the podcast “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” in 2022, where she dishes unfiltered stories from her ballroom days alongside guests like Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. The podcast quickly climbed charts, averaging 500,000 downloads per episode in its first year, according to Podtrac metrics. Burke also ventured into acting, appearing in Lifetime’s “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” docuseries adaptation, and became an advocate for mental health in entertainment, partnering with organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Yet, whispers of a return persisted. In a 2024 interview with People magazine, Burke admitted, “I never truly left DWTS in my heart. Watching from afar, I missed the magic—the nerves before a live show, the camaraderie in the rehearsal studios.” Her guest judge stint was reportedly pitched by producers who recognized the void her absence left, especially as Dancing With the Stars celebrated its 33rd season on ABC and Disney+.

This break allowed Burke to recharge, emerging with fresh perspectives. Fans speculate it was also a strategic move; with DWTS viewership rebounding to 7.8 million average viewers per episode in recent seasons (per Nielsen ratings), her return could boost engagement during the thematic Halloween special.

Halloween Theme Night Heats Up with Burke’s Guest Judging Debut

The timing of Cheryl Burke’s comeback couldn’t be more electrifying: she’s joining the judges’ table for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Halloween theme night on October 29, 2024. This episode promises a cauldron of creativity, with contestants transforming into iconic horror figures—from vampires to zombies—while executing complex routines under dim lights and fog machines. Past Halloween specials have been ratings gold, pulling in up to 10 million viewers, thanks to elaborate sets and celebrity cameos.

As a guest judge, Burke will sit alongside regulars Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, offering critiques that blend her dancer’s eye with her evolved outsider’s view. Producers teased that she’ll focus on emotional storytelling in the dances, a hallmark of her own performances. Imagine her reacting to a ghostly waltz or a werewolf freestyle—her feedback could sway scores and viewer votes dramatically.

The episode’s lineup features current season standouts like NFL star Jason Kelce paired with pro Jenna Johnson for a “Thriller”-inspired routine, and actress Ariana Greenblatt channeling a wicked witch with Sasha Farber. Burke’s presence adds intrigue; will she favor technical precision or bold risks? In a pre-taped promo, she quipped, “Halloween on DWTS is my favorite—it’s where the scares meet the scores!”

Behind the scenes, preparations are in full swing. Costume designers, led by Marina Toybina (a five-time Emmy winner for DWTS), are crafting outfits that weigh up to 20 pounds, incorporating LED lights and mechanical elements for maximum spook factor. Choreographers have drawn from horror classics like “The Addams Family” and “Hocus Pocus,” ensuring routines that are as visually stunning as they are athletically demanding.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz Surrounding the Comeback

Social media is ablaze with anticipation. The hashtag #CherylBurkeReturns has garnered over 500,000 mentions on TikTok and Instagram since the announcement, with fans sharing throwback clips of her winning dances. One viral post from influencer @DWTSFanatic reads, “Cheryl judging Halloween night? This is the reunion we needed!” Comments flood in, praising her as the “voice of reason” the panel has missed.

Polls on Reddit’s r/dancingwiththestars subreddit show 78% of 2,500 respondents thrilled by the news, though some express curiosity about her dynamic with newer judges. This DWTS guest judge role is already projected to spike live episode viewership by 12%, based on similar celebrity returns in past seasons.

Burke Opens Up About Rekindled Bonds with the DWTS Family

One of the most touching aspects of this Cheryl Burke comeback is her reflections on the relationships that sustained her through Dancing With the Stars‘ highs and lows. In a exclusive chat with ET Online, Burke shared, “Returning feels like coming home. The cast— they’re like siblings I’ve never stopped loving.” She specifically name-dropped reunions with pros like Witney Carson and Brandon Armstrong, whom she mentored early in their careers.

Her bonds extend to celebrities too. Burke recounted texting past partners like Yamaguchi, who sent encouraging words: “Can’t wait to see you light up that panel, Cheryl!” Even former host Tom Bergeron, who left the show in 2020, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Thrilled for Cheryl’s return—DWTS shines brighter with her.” These connections underscore the familial vibe of DWTS, where off-stage friendships often last lifetimes.

During her hiatus, Burke stayed tethered through virtual watch parties and podcast crossovers. She hosted a live DWTS recap episode with guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro, drawing 100,000 YouTube views. This guest judge appearance allows her to bridge her past and present, perhaps mentoring current pros from afar.

Burke also touched on personal growth: “Leaving helped me appreciate the show’s magic more. Now, I can give back without the pressure of performing.” Her story resonates with fans facing their own career shifts, adding emotional depth to the entertainment spectacle.

Implications of Burke’s Return: Boosting DWTS’s Future Appeal

As Cheryl Burke steps back into the Dancing With the Stars spotlight, her comeback signals exciting possibilities for the show’s trajectory. With DWTS now streaming on Disney+ alongside ABC, producers are eyeing expansions like international spin-offs and themed seasons. Burke’s involvement could pave the way for alumni returns, potentially as recurring judges or mentors, injecting fresh nostalgia into the format.

Industry analysts predict this move will enhance diversity in judging, with Burke’s female perspective balancing the panel. Viewership trends show a 20% uptick in female demographics (ages 25-54) when veteran pros judge, per Nielsen data. Looking ahead, Burke hinted at more collaborations: “If the fans want it, who knows? DWTS has always been about second acts.”

For the contestants, her feedback could be transformative—spotlighting technique while encouraging vulnerability, much like her own dances. As Halloween night approaches, the DWTS guest judge role positions Burke not just as a blast from the past, but a beacon for the show’s enduring legacy. Fans are left wondering: is this the start of a fuller return? Only time—and the dance floor—will tell.

In the broader entertainment landscape, this comeback reaffirms Dancing With the Stars‘ adaptability, blending celebrity allure with heartfelt narratives. Whether mentoring new talent or critiquing under the Halloween lights, Burke’s presence ensures the show remains a cultural touchstone, inspiring dancers and dreamers alike for seasons to come.