Why Did Cheryl Burke Leave Dancing with the Stars?
Cheryl Burke made her return to the ballroom on Dancing with the Stars Season 34. As a guest judge for Halloween Night, this was her first appearance since leaving the show three years ago. This return was a big deal for longtime DWTS fans, as Cheryl is one of the show’s most iconic pros. After joining the show back in 2006 for Season 2, Cheryl made a name for herself by winning her first season. And she got the mirrorball trophy the next year in Season 3 as well. But after 26 seasons, Cheryl chose to leave the DWTS stage behind. Why did Cheryl leave Dancing With The Stars? Would she ever make a full-time DWTS comeback? Read on below to find out.
Cheryl announced she was leaving Dancing with the Stars in November 2022, as Season 31 was airing. Cheryl appeared on that season with Good Morning America meteorologist Sam Champion, but they were eliminated fourth.
About a month after she and Sam were eliminated, Cheryl announced that Season 31 would be her last as a DWTS pro dancer. She broke the news on Instagram, writing that it was “one of the absolute hardest decisions of my life.” But she added, “I am also confident that it is the right one.”
Cheryl gushed over her career at DWTS, but said, “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. I am excited about the idea of evolving, about being challenged in new ways, having the ability to expand my commitment to mental health advocacy, focusing on my new found love for podcasting.” At the time, Cheryl hosted a podcast called Burke in the Game. She continued, “I’m ready to face the uncertainty (though it’s scary as sh*t) of what the future holds.”
At the time, Cheryl told E! News that one reason she left Dancing with the Stars was the “wear and tear” physically. “But also,” she continued, “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.”
Would Cheryl ever return to DWTS?
Ahead of her return to DWTS as a guest judge, Cheryl was interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter. In the interview, she was asked about returning to the show as a dancer. She said, “If I were able to get two hip replacements and and take that pain away after all the years of abusing my body … yes, I probably would love to come back. But I know my place. I also have expectations for myself, and if I don’t feel like I can be my best at the sport, I don’t think I’m doing myself a service.”
While returning as a dancer seems out of the question, what about a return as a permanent judge? Cheryl told Hollywood Reporter, “That’s not up to me.” But she said she was “happy to be back in the ballroom” as a guest judge for now. She continued, “But even more than that, I really just want to contribute to the show’s legacy in a meaningful way.”
Cheryl reflects on how DWTS has evolved since her exit
In the same interview, Cheryl said she was thrilled by the DWTS’ surge in popularity over recent years. Especially since, in Cheryl’s last few seasons, the show’s future wasn’t so certain. But she also is not surprised that the show endures and continues to evolve.
“What’s been so great about the last few seasons is getting that younger generation involved,” Cheryl remarked, “And look, they’re involved. I mean, they are just doing all these TikToks. My whole algorithm [has] been [creators] critiquing the couples. It’s really great to see people bond over this, and it’s created such a community, which is beautiful to watch.”
After all, it’s pretty incredible that DWTS Season 34 is one of the show’s best. It seems certain that the show will remain a phenomenon for years to come. As for Cheryl’s role in DWTS going forward, fans will have to wait and see.
"SHOCKING TWIST ON B&B: COULD THOMAS FORRESTER DESTROY HOPE AND LIAM’S WEDDING WITH A DEVASTATING MOVE?
This week’s slow-burning storyline involves Thomas’s return on The Bold and the Beautiful. His return could shake up Liam and Hope’s wedded bliss.
Key Takeaways
- Liam and Hope recently got back together.
- Liam popped the question, and Hope accepted.
- B&B teased Thomas’s return for later this year.
- Will he finally cross paths with Hope?
It’s All Happening So Fast
Just a few weeks ago, Hope (Annika Noelle) was engaged to Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor). The two called off their engagement. It was a mutual decision; however, Carter was the one who ultimately made the decision. He noticed that Hope still had feelings for Liam (Scott Clifton).
He let her go by removing his engagement ring from her finger. Now, Hope was a free agent who could explore the next chapter in her life. But she wanted to stay single… At least for a minute.
She told Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Deacon (Sean Kanan) that she wanted to recollect her thoughts before jumping into another relationship. But Liam had different plans.
He wanted to surprise Hope with a proposal. Surprisingly, she said yes, despite being engaged to Carter just weeks ago. Now, it seems like the two are on a fast track to get married as soon as possible (Hope and Liam reunite. What’s next for the B&B couple? ). However, that could all come screeching to a halt if Thomas (Matthew Atkinson) has anything to do with it.
Will Thomas Return to Shake Up Lope?
Last week, it was reported that Thomas is returning to Los Angeles. The timing couldn’t be any more interesting for Hope and Liam’s wedding.
New Executive Producer Casey Kasprzyk dropped a photo of Atkinson on the set of the series with the caption, “This week.” B&B fans are hoping that Thomas and Hope will cross paths again.
His previous return was far from epic. Thomas slammed Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) for choosing Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) over Taylor (Rebecca Budig). Then, he put his hands on Brooke, blaming her for breaking up his family.
Ridge talked some sense into Thomas, who realized he wasn’t acting like himself. He gave his blessings to the newly reunited couple and returned to Paris. B&B fans were disappointed that he never ran into Hope, and he hasn’t been seen since.
Lope’s reunion has a glaring problem: they never talked about what led to their marital problems in the past. Hope was attracted to Thomas, which led her to cheat on Liam. Meanwhile, Liam never fully moved on from Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood).
Hope won’t be able to resist Thomas if they end up in the same room together. She might realize that she never stopped loving him and had gotten a little lost after he left. We know these two characters have incredible chemistry. Who knows what will happen if they start spending time together again?
