Feeling hurt by the snub from Len Goodman tribute, Cheryl Burke has no regrets about her retirement from 'Dancing with the Stars' and has no intentions of returning to the television show.
- September 28, 2024
AceShowbiz - Cheryl Burke, the illustrious pro dancer who graced "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS) for 26 mesmerizing seasons, has officially shut the door on returning to the ballroom. "I'm done with that," declared Burke, 40, on her new podcast, "Sex, Lies and Spray Tans." She added, "Feelings aside, I just have zero interest in teaching another celebrity how to dance, to be quite honest."
Burke's retirement was first announced in 2022, a revelation that left avid "DWTS" followers in shock. She hinted at the time she would enjoy a different role, such as becoming a judge. "They are very well aware that I want that seat. It's not that I just want it, I just know that I can contribute because I am an expert in ballroom dancing," Burke said in a 2022 interview with Variety. Despite her clear interest and expertise, the opportunity never materialized.
Two years post-departure, Burke still harbors "a lot of unanswered questions" about why she wasn't asked back in another capacity. One possible reason, she speculated, could be her podcast. "I can only assume - obviously I would guess it was the podcast - but hopefully now they understand that there's no harm in this podcast whatsoever," she mentioned. Burke defends her podcast, emphasizing that the focus is not on "DWTS" but rather on her guests' stories.
Since leaving "DWTS", Burke has wrestled with emotions and reflection, admitting to feeling sidelined, especially upon not being asked to participate in a tribute to judge Len Goodman in October 2023. "I found out [about Len's tribute] when everyone else found out. And that was just a stab in the heart for me," she said, referring to her feelings of hurt and exclusion.
In her current venture, Burke finds solace and growth through her podcast. "I just feel like I am still, in a way, grieving but not nearly as heavy as it was a year ago," she shared. Hearing her guests' narratives and experiences has provided a new avenue for understanding and connection, filling a gap left by the "DWTS" stage.
For now, Cheryl Burke stands firm in her decision to retire from dancing on "DWTS", focusing instead on her new role as a podcaster and perhaps, in the future, a judge - a dream she still holds despite the uncertainties.
