Former “Dancing With the Stars” pro Cheryl Burke discussed her departure from the series on a recent episode of her podcast. The ballroom dancer explained that it was solely her decision to part ways with the series.
During the December 1 episode of “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans,” Burke answered some fan questions. One person asked if she felt as though she left DWTS on a “positive note.”
“I felt that I did leave ‘Dancing With the Stars’ on a positive note,” she responded. “I definitely didn’t have any ill will or negativity as far as me deciding to retire,” she said. Burke then clarified that she wasn’t let go by production.
“I know a lot of people may think it wasn’t my decision, but it definitely was my decision. I’m pretty sure they would still have had me as a pro dancer to this day,” she confirmed.
Burke retired from DWTS after season 31.
Cheryl Burke Announced Her Retirement in 2022
On November 20, 2022, Burke took to Instagram to share that she’d be dancing one final time on the show.
“This has been one of the absolute hardest decisions of my life & I am also confident that it is the right one,” she captioned an Instagram post.
“This show has been my 2nd family since I was 21 years old. The cast, crew & fans have seen me through my highest highs & some of my lowest lows, & 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 continued.
“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, & I’m ready to face the uncertainty (though it’s scary as sh**) of what the future holds – I do have a few things up my sleeves though, so don’t worry,” she added.
Cheryl Burke Has Not Returned to the Ballroom Since Her Departure
Following her DWTS exit, Burke hasn’t been back to the ballroom.
For starters, Burke didn’t attend the Len Goodman tribute dance on season 32 — because she wasn’t invited.
“I would assume that some people may not be happy with my podcast that I have,” Burke said on an April 2024 episode of the “Amy and T.J.” podcast.
“First of all, I found out when everyone else found out. And that was just such a stab in the heart for me. It was like I just couldn’t believe that I wasn’t included in just something so special. Like, regardless, if you want to look up OG in the dictionary, regardless. Like, I should have been there like we all know this. [And I at] least have been in the audience maybe, you know,” she explained.
Burke received an invite to attend the show’s 500th episode on season 33, but decided to not go.
“I did get invited to go to the 500th episode to sit in the audience,” Burke said on the November 6, 2024, episode of her “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast.
She went on to explain that she wouldn’t be able to keep up with the obligations of her podcast if she attended.
“Look, if I was in an actual performance, or if I was actually doing something other than sit in the audience, I would definitely say yes to that invite. However, when it comes to just sitting in the audience, it really just delays the podcast schedule and I have a loyalty to you, my listeners, to make sure we roll these out because I know, especially the recap episodes, you guys can’t wait, but I’ll be there in spirit,” she said.
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DWTS Pro Confirms She Wasn’t Fired From the Show