After a three-year hiatus from the competition floor of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), Cheryl Burke is stepping back into the limelight—this time not as a pro dancer, but as a guest judge for the show’s upcoming Halloween episode on October 28. It marks a full-circle moment for the 41-year-old veteran, who previously competed in 26 seasons and won multiple Mirrorball trophies.
Why the Return? Why Now?
Burke has openly cited two key reasons for her return:
- The physical and emotional demands of competing year after year became unsustainable, prompting her 2022 decision to step away and explore new creative avenues.
- A sense of evolution and desire to bring her experience “to the other side of the floor”—now evaluating rather than performing—felt timely and natural.
In her own words: “It just felt right. To return now, from the other side of the floor, is something I’ll never take for granted.”
What Kind of Judge Will She Be?
During media interviews ahead of the episode, Burke emphasized her criteria and mindset:
- Authenticity over perfection – She told producers she wants to focus on dancers who “show up and feel something,” not just execute technically.
- Empathy born of experience – Having lived the grind of rehearsals and public scrutiny, she says she knows “what it takes,” and plans to balance critique with encouragement.
- No nostalgia goggles – She acknowledged that much has changed since her pro era and committed to being present for the current competitors rather than past versions of the show.
She expects this episode to be “a huge reunion,” noting that she hasn’t been in regular contact with many of the current pros and pros-turned-judges since her departure.
The Wider Context: Beyond the Stage
Burke’s return arrives in the wake of other narratives that have shaped her public profile:
- Personal transformation: Over the past year she has spoken candidly about her health journey and a 30-35 lb weight-loss, describing it not as an aesthetic project but as a matter of wellness and self-care.
- Body image and mental health: She has addressed long-standing struggles with body dysmorphia stemming from her early career, and has criticized online culture that dissects women’s bodies.
- Career reinvention: Since retiring from competition, she has explored podcasting, advocacy around mental health, and building a voice beyond performance.
The guest judge role therefore is more than a TV appearance—it represents a shift in how she occupies the public and professional space.
What to Watch
There are a few things to monitor now that Burke is back:
- Will this judging stint evolve into a recurring role, or is it a one-off special?
- How will her judging style compare or contrast with her former competitors-turned-judges?
- Will her public commentary this episode further influence conversations around dancer wellness, industry norms, and mental-health awareness in reality TV?
Final Take — A Memorable Homecoming
Cheryl Burke’s return to DWTS as a guest judge is not simply a walk down memory lane—it’s a statement. She’s re-entering the ballroom with a different posture: powerful yet vulnerable, experienced yet evolving. For fans, competitors and TV watchers, this marks the start of a new chapter in her long relationship with dance, performance and the spotlight.
Credit: PopScopeNow Entertainment Desk – October 29, 2025
