Long-time Dancing with the Stars pro-dancer Cheryl Burke has hinted that she plans to leave the show. Now she makes it official .
“I am sitting here full of so many conflicting emotions about the words I am about to write…” Cheryl posts on her Instagram account.
“Tomorrow night will officially be my final dance as a pro dancer on @dancingwiththestars. This has been one of the absolute hardest decisions of my life & I am also confident that it is the right one.”
“This show has been my 2nd family since I was 21 years old,” Cheryl writes. “The cast, crew & fans have seen me through my highest highs & some of my lowest lows, & I honestly don’t know who I would be today without them.”
Cheryl continues, “I also know that it is time for me to begin the next phase of my career, although dance will always be a part of me. I am excited about the idea of evolving, about being challenged in new ways, having the ability to expand my commitment to mental health advocacy, focusing on my new found love for podcasting, & I’m ready to face the uncertainty (though it’s scary as sh**) of what the future holds – I do have a few things up my sleeves though, so don’t worry.”
DWTS is giving Cheryl a proper send-off
DWTS is giving Cheryl a proper send-off. “I hope that you will tune in to see my farewell dance during tomorrow’s Finale as it is dedicated to all of YOU that have supported me, loved me even if you didn’t know me, & who have been such a huge part of my life, my growth, & my story.” She continues, “I’m honestly not sure how I’m going to get through it without tears but even with the heartache & emotions, I am grateful to have the opportunity to perform this dance & do so with two of my favorite male pros to dance with, @pashapashkov & @louisvanamstel.”
Cheryl finishes her goodbye message, “Though there aren’t enough words to express my deep gratitude & love to my entire DWTS family I will end with this: thank you for being my rock & foundation for close to two decades during the difficult moments & most of all, thank you for giving ballroom dancing the credit & attention it deserves.”
“You have not only brought joy to millions upon millions of viewers every season, you have brought light & so much love into my heart & soul when I’ve needed it most. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime. I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my career, but man will this one be hard to beat! Until next time…Love you all, always & forever xx.”
Cheryl hopes to take the departing Len Goodman’s seat on the DWTS judges panel
On this last season, Cheryl was partnered with Sam Champion. The pair were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars on Week 4.
Cheryl is not the only DWTS star leaving the show after tonight’s finale. Long-time judge Len Goodman announced his retirement last week in order to return to Britain and spend more time with his family. Cheryl recently revealed to Variety that show producers know she wants that seat.
“It’s not that I just want it,” she told Variety. “I just know that I can contribute because I am an expert in ballroom dancing. I can say that with confidence,” she said. “Len is really technical and really tells you how it is. That is my style.”
