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Cheryl Burke Returns to DWTS as Halloween Guest Judge, Defends Carrie Ann Inaba

The longtime pro casts her return as a technique-first check on scoring fairness during a season of intensified online criticism.

Overview

  • Burke will sit alongside Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli on the Oct. 28 Halloween episode, marking her first time back since leaving in 2022.
  • She says fans are tougher on Inaba than on the male judges and argues Inaba is doing her job well despite the backlash.
  • Burke plans concise, constructive notes centered on ballroom technique and authenticity to each assigned style.
  • Season 34 engagement has surged, with Variety reporting 100 million votes tallied over two weeks as social media criticism of scoring grows louder.
  • After previously voicing disappointment about aspects of her exit and distance from former colleagues, Burke describes the guest spot as an emotional homecoming.