Overview
- The two-time Mirrorball champion, who left in 2022 after 26 seasons, rejoins the panel with Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli for the Halloween episode on Oct. 28.
- Burke says her critiques will center on ballroom technique, authenticity to the assigned style and constructive guidance within the show’s short feedback window.
- She defended Inaba in recent interviews, saying fans are tougher on her than on the male judges and asserting that Inaba is doing her job well.
- This season has seen heavy online debate over scoring and perceived favoritism, alongside high engagement, with Variety reporting 100 million votes over two weeks.
- Burke acknowledges past frustrations over her exit and the 2023 Len Goodman tribute but says she remains grateful to the show and views the return as emotional.