Brooke Burke recently revealed that she had considered a romantic connection with her Dancing With the Stars partner Derek Hough. Surprisingly, her fiancé, Scott Rigsby, was not bothered by this admission.
Speaking exclusively to We on Wednesday, October 18, while she was promoting the upcoming season of Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, Burke, who is 52, praised Rigsby for his easygoing nature. She emphasized that he is not involved in the entertainment industry, which she considers a blessing. She further expressed that their relationship is built on trust, boundaries, and mutual respect. Burke added that their connection is effortless and mature, stating that trust eliminates any issues they might encounter and they truly embody that in their relationship.
During her appearance on Cheryl Burke’s podcast, "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans," earlier this month, Burke openly discussed her contemplation of having an affair with the then 38-year-old Hough. She acknowledged her awareness of the implications while recording the podcast episode.
"It was simply a matter of honesty. I hold honesty in high regard and unlike many, I am unafraid to express it openly. This genuine trait is ingrained in me and extends to my belief in the power of chemistry and the value of every aspect of life. Every action I undertake reflects this unwavering commitment. Hence, if my passion for our connection was lacking, the experience wouldn't have been as captivating to witness."
Brooke Burke, Scott Rigsby, and Derek Hough - Getty Images (3)
Furthermore, Burke firmly stands by her comments, expressing no remorse, as she believes in the importance of openly discussing the true dynamics of intimacy when two individuals unite.
"Dancing with someone is incredibly significant, passionate, and establishes an intimate connection," she explained to Us. "Not only that, but on the show, you confront your fears, overcome challenges, experience things you've never done before, and dance with someone in their embrace for three months straight, seven days a week. You synchronize your breathing with them, gaze into their eyes. It's only natural that chemistry develops."
Burke further expressed, "The bonds formed through dancing are unique and surpass those in regular relationships or marriages. Celebrities, in particular, experience this in a profound way. The question often arises: who falls in love first or more easily? The answer is the celebrity. The level of physical connection they establish is unfamiliar. However, for the professional dancers, it's a routine part of their job."
Burke, who later ended up hosting DWTS for seven seasons, and Hough ultimately emerged as the winners of the mirrorball trophy in season 7.
When clarifying her remarks to Rigsby, Burke made a point to reiterate her intention, emphasizing that she and Hough shared chemistry strictly on the dance floor, in a mature manner.
After two years of dating, Rigsby proposed to Burke in September 2021, and the couple is firmly dedicated to their plans of getting married in 2024.“It’s quite a task to organize a party for oneself and plan a wedding at my age. I am fully committed to dedicating more time this season to prepare for it,” she said to Us. She hinted that she desires a ceremony that is "intimate" and holds deep meaning. Burke also expressed her desire for a spiritual and truly unforgettable occasion.
Additionally, Burke excitedly shared that both their daughters, Heaven and Shaya from her relationship with Charvet, 51, and Neriah and Sierra from her previous marriage to Garth Fisher, are actively involved in the planning process. Rigsby's children from a previous relationship, a son and a daughter, are also enthusiastically participating. "Everyone has strong opinions," Burke jokingly remarked. "Unlike before, where I only had a small wedding ceremony, this is a significant event."
Burke is not only busy with wedding planning but also preparing to host the tenth season of Penn & Teller's Fool Us magic show. "I have a deep passion for live television and interacting with live audiences," she expressed about joining the CW series. "I entered this experience without knowing what to anticipate. While I genuinely love magic, it was incredibly enjoyable to be on the show and be consistently astonished each day. Despite being the host, I got to fully embrace the role of an audience member, allowing myself to be captivated by the surprise, intrigue, and wonder that magic brings."
Penn & Teller’s Fool Us season 10 premieres on Friday, October 27, on The CW at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi