Why Cheryl Burke Really Left Dancing With the Stars After 26 Seasons

Cheryl Burke is back in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom.

Indeed, nearly three years after the pro unlaced her dancing shoes for good, she is now returning as a guest judge for season 34’s Halloween night Oct. 28.

“It’s been 3 years since my final dance and official retirement, and I still remember that night like it was yesterday,” she gushed on Instagram Oct. 21. “To return now, from the other side of the floor, is something I’ll never take for granted.”

Cheryl—who exited the ABC dance competition after 26 seasons—will be judging alongside Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, as well as former pro Derek Hough. 

While the 41-year-old is returning for the spookatular evening as a visitor, she is no stranger to the toll of being a pro. In fact, it was among the reasons she decided to retire.

“There is wear and tear,” she explained of the physical toll 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.”