Cheryl Burke is leaving DWTS after 26 seasons as a professional dancer

Cheryl Burke bows one last time.

In an honest post shared on Instagram on Sunday, the fan favorite of “Dancing with the Stars”. she announced she was leaving dance show as a professional dancer after 26 seasons.

“I’m sitting here full of conflicting emotions about the words I’m about to write… Tomorrow night will officially be my last dance as a professional dancer with @dancingwiththestars,” Burke, 38, began, calling the move “one of the absolute hardest decisions” of her life.

“This show has been my second family since I was 21. The cast, crew, and fans have guided me through my highest highs and some of my lowest lows, and honestly, I don’t know who I would be today without them.

Burke made her professional debut during Season 2 in 2006, taking home a coveted mirror ball trophy with 98 Degrees singer Drew Lachey. The following season, she won again against former NFL star Emmitt Smith.

The host of the “Burke in the Game” podcast told fans that while dancing “will always be a part” of her life, she is excited about the “next step” in her career, which includes a commitment to mental health advocacy and her “new discovery”. love” for podcasts.

“I hope you’ll watch my farewell dance at tomorrow’s final because it’s dedicated to all of YOU who supported me, loved me even if they didn’t know me, and who were such a huge part of my life. life, my height and my story,” she continued.

“Honestly, I’m not sure how I’m going to get through this without tears, but even with heartache and emotion, I’m grateful for the opportunity to perform this dance and do it with two of my favorite male dance professionals, @pashapashkov & @louisvanamstel.”

Burke concluded her post by stating that “there are not enough words” to express her love and gratitude to the “DWTS” family.

“Thank you for being my rock and foundation for almost two decades through difficult times, and most of all, thank you for the recognition and attention that ballroom dancing deserves,” she wrote. “Not only have you brought joy to millions of viewers each season, you have brought light and so much love to my heart and soul when I needed it most.”

She added: “It was truly an experience of a lifetime. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career, but this one will be hard to beat! Until next time… I love you all, always and forever xx 🤍.”

The news was also announced via the official “DWTS” Instagram and Twitter accounts.

“After 26 seasons in the #DWTS family, tomorrow @cherylburke will take the stage to say goodbye to her,” the statement read. “You are an absolute icon and we thank you for so many years of creativity and entertainment! ❤️ We will miss you so much.

Burke’s announcement comes just days after chief judge Len Goodman revealed his own news about his retirement during the show’s “semi-finals”.

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“While we are all excited and looking forward to the finale next week, it will also come with a bit of sadness and it will be my final season as a judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars’,” he said. “I’m looking forward to next week’s final. I’m sure it will be absolutely brilliant.”

Speaking to Page Six after the show, professional dancer Britt Stewart reacted to the news and the possibility that Burke would likely replace Goodman next season along with judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

“Cheryl definitely wants to be a judge and I think she would be an amazing addition,” she told us. “I think Derek is a testament to the former pro becoming a referee. He really has the knowledge and experience of what it’s like to be in our place.”

“I’m a Cheryl fan all day,” she added of the Dance Moms alumnus. “I’d like to see her in that situation.”

The Season 31 finale of Dancing with the Stars airs Monday at 8pm ET/5pm PT on Disney+. The other four contestants fighting for the mirror ball trophy are Charli D’Amelio, Shangela, Wayne Brady and Gabby Windey.