Last Updated on 9 hours by Vijay Kumar
After stepping off the ballroom floor at the end of Season 31 in 2022, Cheryl Burke is officially making her return to Dancing With the Stars as a guest judge on the Halloween-night episode of Season 34, which aired on October 28, 2025. The two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, who last competed three years ago, is stepping back into the spotlight — but this time, behind the judges’ desk.
Cheryl Burke first joined DWTS in Season 2 back in 2006, where she made history as one of the most successful professional dancers on the show. She won the Mirrorball Trophy twice — first with Drew Lachey and then with NFL star Emmitt Smith — becoming a household name and fan favorite. After competing in 26 seasons, Burke announced her retirement from professional dancing in 2022, explaining that it was time to move on after years of physical and emotional dedication to the show.
Now, three years later, she’s returning not to perform but to evaluate. Burke joined judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli for DWTS Season 34’s Halloween special. In an interview with People, she shared her excitement and emotional connection to the show, saying, “It’s going to be emotional, but I am here in a different way this time. I’m here for the couples, and I really hope to be able to give constructive criticism, but also be encouraging. And I know what it takes. I have been there.”
Burke also expressed her gratitude in an Instagram post, writing, “I’ll be joining Dancing With the Stars next week as a guest judge for Halloween Night! It’s been 3 years since my final dance and official retirement, and I still remember that night like it was yesterday.”
Her return carries both emotional and professional significance. For the show, it’s a nostalgic moment that reconnects fans to one of its most iconic stars. For Burke, it’s a full-circle moment — evolving from performer to mentor, sharing her insight from decades in the ballroom. She has also been vocal about what she values most in contestants, emphasizing authenticity, technique, and passion, urging dancers to “perform as if it’s your last dance.”
Since leaving the show, Burke has remained an active voice in the dance community. She recently defended longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba from fan criticism, saying, “It’s harder for her, because people expect perfection. But she’s always been fair and honest.”
The Halloween special, one of the most popular themed nights in the series, featured creative costumes, spooky choreography, and a “Dance Monster-thon.” Having Burke back in the ballroom added a layer of excitement and nostalgia for longtime viewers.
Cheryl Burke’s return to Dancing With the Stars is more than a cameo — it’s a celebration of her legacy and evolution. After three years away, she’s not dancing for scores anymore; she’s giving them. And for fans who have followed her journey from her first spin in 2006 to her emotional farewell in 2022, this comeback feels like the perfect encore.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.
