cheryl burke

Cheryl Burke’s Big Return to ‘Dancing With the Stars’: What It Means for the Show and Her Career

After three years away from the Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) ballroom, Cheryl Burke is stepping back into the spotlight — this time not as a pro dancer, but as a guest judge. Her return has sparked excitement among fans and cast alike, reigniting conversations about her legacy on the show, the evolution of its judging panel, and what her presence means for the future of the long-running ABC series.

With over 20,000 buzz mentions in recent weeks and major outlets like Deadline, People.com, and E! News covering her comeback, Cheryl Burke’s re-entry into the DWTS universe is more than just a nostalgic moment — it’s a strategic and emotional milestone in the show’s history.

The Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed

Cheryl Burke’s return as a guest judge isn’t just a one-off cameo — it’s a full-circle moment for a dancer who helped define the early era of Dancing With the Stars. As one of the show’s most successful pros, she won two Mirrorball Trophies (with Drew Lachey in Season 2 and Emmitt Smith in Season 3) and competed in 26 seasons before retiring from the pro lineup in 2022.

Now, she’s back — but in a new role.

According to a verified report from Deadline, Burke will appear as a guest judge during Season 34, offering critiques alongside longtime panelists Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. In her own words, “Pros know what they’re talking about because we’ve been there.” This statement, shared in the Deadline interview, underscores her unique position: not just a former contestant, but a seasoned professional who understands both the physical demands and emotional toll of competing on the show.

Her return is significant because it bridges the gap between the show’s past and present. DWTS has undergone numerous changes in recent years — from shifting hosts to rotating judges — and Burke’s presence offers a touchstone of authenticity that longtime fans have been craving.

Recent Updates: What We Know (and What We Don’t)

Let’s break down the verified developments from official sources:

October 2025: Cheryl Burke Announces Guest Judge Role

• Source: Deadline (October 2025)
• Burke confirmed her return to Dancing With the Stars as a guest judge, calling it a “full-circle” moment.
• She emphasized the value of having a former pro on the panel, noting that dancers bring a different perspective than celebrity judges.
• “We’ve trained celebrities. We’ve lived the journey. We know what it takes,” she said.

October 2025: Exclusive Interview with People.com

• Source: People.com (October 2025)
• In an exclusive interview, Burke revealed whether she had spoken to current DWTS pros before her return.
• While she didn’t name names, she confirmed she had reconnected with several former colleagues and felt a sense of camaraderie.
• “It’s like coming home,” she said. “Even though I’m not dancing, I’m still part of the family.”

October 2025: E! News Explores Her Exit After 26 Seasons

• Source: E! News (October 2025)
• This report revisited Burke’s 2022 decision to step away from the pro lineup after 26 seasons.
• She cited burnout, the emotional strain of competing year after year, and a desire to focus on mental health and personal projects as key reasons.
• “I gave the show my all,” she told E!. “But I also needed to step back and ask, ‘Who am I outside of the ballroom?’”

These reports, all from trusted entertainment outlets, paint a picture of a thoughtful, deliberate transition — not a sudden departure or a dramatic return, but a natural evolution of her relationship with the show.

The Legacy of Cheryl Burke: More Than Just a Pro Dancer

To understand the weight of Burke’s return, you have to understand her cultural footprint on Dancing With the Stars.

When DWTS premiered in 2005, it was a cultural phenomenon — a mix of celebrity spectacle and ballroom artistry. Cheryl Burke, then just 21, was one of the original pros and quickly became a fan favorite. Her technical precision, emotional storytelling, and relatable personality made her a standout.

Over 26 seasons, she: - Became the first pro to win two Mirrorball Trophies in the show’s first three seasons. - Partnered with a diverse range of celebrities — from athletes (Emmitt Smith, Rob Kardashian) to actors (Tom DeLay, Ian Ziering). - Developed a reputation for pushing her partners beyond their limits, often leading to breakthrough performances.

But beyond the trophies, Burke was also a trailblazer for women in dance. She spoke openly about body image, mental health, and the pressures of being a public figure. In 2023, she launched a mental wellness podcast, Burke in the Game, where she discusses anxiety, self-doubt, and the importance of emotional resilience — themes that resonate deeply with both dancers and everyday viewers.

Her legacy isn’t just about winning — it’s about authenticity, perseverance, and reinvention.

Why Her Return Matters Now

The timing of Burke’s return is no accident. Dancing With the Stars has been navigating a critical phase in its evolution:

1. Shifting Audience Demographics

• The show’s core audience is aging, and producers have been trying to attract younger viewers.
• Burke, who has a strong social media presence (over 2 million Instagram followers) and a Gen Z-friendly podcast, brings cross-generational appeal.

2. The Need for Authentic Critique

• Recent seasons have faced criticism for inconsistent judging and a lack of dance-specific insight.
• Having a former pro on the panel adds credibility and depth to critiques. As Burke said, “We know the difference between a forced turn and a natural one.”

3. The Power of Nostalgia

• DWTS has brought back several former pros as guest judges (e.g., Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff), but Burke’s return carries extra emotional weight because of her longevity and visibility.
• It’s not just a nod to the past — it’s a celebration of the show’s history.

4. Mental Health and Representation

• Burke’s openness about her struggles with anxiety and body image makes her a role model for mental wellness.
• Her presence signals that the show is evolving — not just in format, but in values.

Immediate Effects: What’s Happening Right Now

Since the announcement, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive:

• Fan Engagement: Social media buzz around Burke’s return has spiked, with hashtags like #CherylBurkeIsBack and #JudgeCheryl trending on Twitter and TikTok.
• Ratings Impact: Early indicators suggest a 15% increase in social media engagement for Season 34, with Burke’s episodes expected to draw strong viewership.
• Pro Dancer Reactions: While not all comments are public, insiders tell People.com that current pros are “excited and a little nervous” — a sign that her critiques will be taken seriously.
• Media Coverage: Major outlets are covering her return as a cultural moment, not just a TV appearance. Articles are framing it as a symbol of resilience and reinvention.

There’s also a subtle shift in tone on the show. Producers have reportedly encouraged Burke to be honest but compassionate — a balance that reflects her own journey from perfectionist dancer to mindful mentor.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Cheryl Burke and DWTS?

Looking ahead, Burke’s return could have long-term implications for both her career and