Inside Cheryl Burke's 'Dancing with the Stars' return after emotional exit

Cheryl Burke is back in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom as a judge.

The 41-year-old pro dancer returned as a guest judge for the show’s Halloween Night episode on Tuesday, October 28, joining Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough on the panel. Speaking to cohosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro at the top of the show, Burke shared what she’d be watching for.

“I feel so great to be home again,” she said. “Authenticity is what I would love to see from all of you, technique and dance as if it’s your last chance. As the late Len Goodman said, careful doesn’t win Dancing With the Stars.”

Burke, a two-time champion, first won the Mirrorball Trophy with Drew Lachey in season 2 and Emmitt Smith in season 3 in 2006. She exited the competition in 2022 after season 31, calling the decision “heartbreaking.”

“It was the hardest decision of my life,” she told Us Weekly ahead of her grand return. “I’ve spent most of my life on that show, so I think the umbilical cord is still attached.”

Reflecting on her return, Burke told People magazine, “It just felt right. This show has shaped me into the woman I am today.”

She added, “It’s gonna 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 has previously explained that while her decision to leave was voluntary, she had to “fight” for her farewell dance and “lost friendships along the way.”