Cheryl Burke is back in the Dancing with the stars ballroom as judge.
The 41-year-old professional dancer returned as a guest judge for the show’s Halloween Night episode on Tuesday, October 28, joining Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough on the panel. Speaking to cohosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro at the top of the show, Burke shared what she’s looking forward to.
“I’m so happy to be home again,” she says. “Authenticity is what I would like to see from all of you, technique and dance like it’s your last chance. As the late Len Goodman said, caution doesn’t win. Dancing with the stars.”
Burke, a two-time champion, first won the Mirrorball Trophy with Drew Lachey in Season 2 and Emmitt Smith in Season 3 in 2006. She left the competition in 2022 after Season 31, calling the decision “heartbreaking.”
“It was the hardest decision of my life,” she said We weekly prior to her big return. “I spent most of my life on that show, so I think the umbilical cord is still attached.”
Thinking about her return, Burke said People magazine: “It just felt good. This show has shaped me into the woman I am today.”
She added: “It’s going to be emotional, but this time I’m here in a different way. I’m here for the couples and I really hope to be able to give constructive criticism but also be encouraging. And I know what it takes. I’ve been there.”
Burke has previously explained that while her decision to leave was voluntary, she had to “fight” for her farewell dance and “lost friendships along the way.”
