Cheryl Burke Addresses Podcast Guest Withdrawal Amid 'DWTS' Executive Conflict

Cheryl Burke Gets Emotional About Her Rift With DWTS

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Cheryl Burke opened up about her relationship with Dancing With the Stars after leaving the show in 2022.

During a podcast episode with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, Burke, 39, expressed her emotional connection to the show, calling it her family. She tearfully revealed, "I didn't want to leave. That was my identity in every way." However, she also felt that it was necessary for her to pursue growth and evolution in her career.

Burke decided not to return to the show for Len Goodman's tribute in October 2023. Goodman, a judge on the show for 17 years, passed away from prostate cancer in April 2023. The reason Burke gave for her absence was that the decision-makers at DWTS were unhappy with her podcast.

Burke expressed her disappointment at not being included in Len's tribute. She mentioned feeling hurt that she found out about it at the same time as everyone else. Despite her initial shock, Burke shared that she was more saddened than angry about the situation.

Burke was surprised when she found out she wasn't included through her representatives. The reason given was that it was because of her podcast.

She expressed her frustration by saying, “It just makes me believe that they’re not listening to it or something. Of course, on social media, we need to attract listeners, and unfortunately with that, you have to put clips together that may sound a little like, oh, she’s just bashing the show. No, that’s not what the podcast is. It’s telling the honest truth.”

Cheryl Burke Gets Real About Near Elimination From ‘Dancing With the Stars’ 'There's Peace' 02 Posing with co-dancer Sam Champion

ABC/Eric McCandless

Burke, a former professional dancer on DWTS for 26 seasons and a two-time mirrorball trophy winner, started her podcast "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans" in September 2023. On the show, she shares her insider experiences, often featuring past celebrity dancers. The podcast's description promises to reveal secrets, behind-the-scenes arguments, affairs, flings, flirting, and fights.

In addition, Burke suspects that some guests who initially agreed to appear on her podcast but later dropped out may have been influenced by the higher-ups at DWTS.

Some guests have initially agreed to be on the show, but later changed their minds, as shared by Burke on Holmes and Robach's show. She is unsure of the exact details of why they backed out, but speculates that someone who wasn't satisfied with the podcast may have played a role.

However, despite any challenges, Burke remains thankful for her experience on DWTS and cherishes the memories she made during that time.

Yes, there are things that are not always glamorous and perfect. Every experience comes with its ups and downs, challenges, and flaws. However, despite it all, Burke acknowledges that she is grateful for her time with the network and Dancing With the Stars.

Editor's P/S:

Cheryl Burke's departure from "Dancing With the Stars" was bittersweet. She expressed both a deep emotional connection to the show, calling it her family, and a sense of necessity to move on for personal growth. Burke felt deeply hurt by her exclusion from Len Goodman's tribute, attributing it to the show's dissatisfaction with her podcast.

Burke's podcast, "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans," offers an insider perspective on the show's inner workings, potentially revealing sensitive information. This may have contributed to the decision not to include her in the tribute. Burke's suspicions that some guests backed out of her podcast due to pressure from "DWTS" further suggest a strained relationship. Despite these challenges, Burke maintains a sense of gratitude and cherishes her memories from her time with the show. Her departure marks the end of an era for both Burke and "Dancing With the Stars," leaving fans to ponder the future of one of television's most iconic dance competitions.