Former Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) pro-Cheryl Burke has no regrets about leaving the popular reality TV show. After being part of the competition for 26 seasons, Burke retired in 2022 and is not interested in returning. She has even mentioned that there are still many unanswered questions surrounding her departure.
In an exclusive interview with US Weekly, while promoting her podcast Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, Burke confirmed that she is “done” with DWTS. She explained that teaching another celebrity to dance no longer excites her. The former DWTS star said she is in a much better place since leaving the show.
Burke shared that she no longer wants the show to define her identity, which it did in the past. While talking about her emotions and considering a return to the show, she said, “I’m still a little vulnerable to say, ‘OK, I’m ready to do that.’”
Burke also hinted that there were unresolved questions about why she wasn’t asked to participate in another role on DWTS. She thinks her podcast could be one of the reasons. However, she added that the DWTS team should know by now that she doesn’t mean any harm with her podcast.
She clarified that her podcast only touches on DWTS toward the end, while most of it focuses on her guests. Burke had also expressed her interest in being a judge on the show before she left.
Cheryl Burke Advises Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev
Burke, as a former DWTS pro, also advised Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev, following Chigvintsev’s arrest and their divorce battle. Chigvintsev was arrested in August 2024 on charges of domestic violence, but those charges have since been dropped. Soon after his arrest, Garcia filed for divorce on September 11, 2024.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Burke said the news of the arrest shocked her. She learned about it while recording an episode of her podcast. After reflecting on the situation, she said her “heart goes out” to everyone involved.
She showed concern and love for them, hoping they find healing, even if it means stepping away from their careers. Burke commented, “I hope that Nikki and Artem are protecting their heart, and I hope that, more importantly, their son is okay.”
Burke also shared that discussing sensitive news about her friends on her podcast segment, “Headlines and Hot Topics,” is difficult for her. She has to do it as part of her job but feels uncomfortable because she empathizes with the people she is talking about.
The latest season of Dancing with the Stars premieres every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. You can also stream the episodes and previous seasons on Disney+.
