Cheryl Burke has returned to the dancefloor of "Dancing With the Stars," her second home since the age of 21. After nearly three years of retiring from the show, she's back as a guest judge for the season 34's Halloween night on October 28th.
"It's been three years since my final dance and official retirement, and I still remember that night like it was yesterday," she gushed on Instagram. "To return now, from the other side of the floor, is something I'll never take for granted."
As a two-time Mirrorball winner who exited the ABC dance competition after 26 seasons, Cheryl will be joined by fellow judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and former pro Derek Hough. Although she's returning for the spooky evening as a visitor, she's no stranger to the physical toll of being a pro.
"There is wear and tear," she explained to E! News in November 2022. "But also, my heart is telling me to see what else is out there. We are human and we evolve. I do. At least I would like to say that I am a work in progress forever."
Despite the intense schedule of "Dancing with the Stars," Cheryl has many projects she's been working on and believes her retirement was the best move for her. "This show has been my second family since I was 21 years old," she said on her Instagram. "The cast, crew, and fans have seen me through my highest highs and some of my lowest lows, and I honestly don't know who I would be today without them. I also know that it is time for me to begin the next phase of my career, although dance will always be a part of me."
She emphasized that she's looking forward to the following chapters of her career, excited about the idea of evolving and being challenged in new ways. "Having the ability to expand my commitment to mental health advocacy, focusing on my newfound love for podcasting, and I'm ready to face the uncertainty (though it's scary as s--t) of what the future holds - I do have a few things up my sleeves though, so don't worry."
