Cheryl Burke is back Dancing with the stars Ballroom as a judge.
The 41-year-old professional dancer returned as a guest judge on the show’s Halloween Night episode on Tuesday, October 28, joining Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough on the panel. Speaking with hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro at the top of the show, Burke shared what she’s been observing.
“I feel great to be home again,” she said. “Originality is what I like to see from you all, technique and dancing like this is your last chance. As the late Len Goodman said, caution never wins.” Dancing with the stars“.
Burke, a two-time champion, first won the Mirrorball Cup with Drew Lachey in Season 2 and Emmitt Smith in Season 3 in 2006. She exited the competition in 2022 after Season 31, calling the decision “heartbreaking.”
“It was the hardest decision of my life,” she said. Us Weekly Ahead of her big comeback “I’ve spent most of my life on this show, so I think the umbilical cord is still attached.”
Thinking about her return, Burke said: the people magazine, “I felt great. This show helped shape me into the woman I am today.”
She added: “It’s going to be emotional, but I’m here in a different way this time. I’m here for the couples, and I really hope I can offer constructive criticism, but also be encouraging. I know what it takes. I’ve been there.”
Burke has previously explained that although her decision to leave was voluntary, she had to “fight” for the farewell dance and “lost friendships along the way.”