Former DWTS Pro Dancer Announces Surprise Return to ABC

Cheryl Burke has a new deal with ABC—and it’s a big one. Nearly three years after announcing her retirement from “Dancing With the Stars,” the veteran pro dancer has signed a first-look deal with ABC, the network that produces the celebrity ballroom competition she appeared on for 26 seasons, Deadline reported on February 20.

In her new role, Burke will develop entertainment projects for the network, including scripted and unscripted series, podcasts, and other types of special programming.

Burke confirmed the news on her Instagram page, “ So grateful to be stepping into this new era with ABC! 🙏🏼,” the two-time mirrorball champion shared with fans. “My first-look deal is officially in motion, and I can’t wait for all that’s ahead in 2025.😍 Stay tuned for more!💗”

Fans Reacted to Cheryl Burke’s Return to ABC

Fans had a lot of questions about Burke’s new role.  In comments to her social media post, followers posted congratulatory comments and some asked for more information on what Burke would be developing.

“It feels so…vast? What IS it?” one fan asked of the meaning of the first-look deal.

“Is she behind the scenes producing?” another wanted to know.

“Does this mean we can see more shows about ballroom dancing in the future!?!” a third commenter asked.

According to Script Anatomy, a first-look deal is an agreement between a producer and a network or studio for a first bid on ideas for potential projects.

Burke has not yet revealed what specific type of projects she will be developing for ABC or if any of them will be dance-related.

Cheryl Burke Previously Hinted She Had Something Big in the Works

Fans got a heads-up that something was up when Burke announced she was pausing her popular iHeart radio podcast, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans,” in late 2024. In an Instagram message on December 30, she told fans she made “the bittersweet decision to say farewell — for now” to her podcast after recording nearly 200 episodes.

“My journey is just beginning, and 2025 has already been filled with new opportunities and exciting adventures which I promise to tell you about soon,” Burke shared in her message. “I hope you’ll continue to follow me, support me, and join me as I embrace what’s next.”

Burke followed up on the final “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans” episode, “Goodbye for Now” to explain that she had “so many opportunities and new doors opening“ for the New Year that she had to make the choice to halt the podcast so she could focus on her new projects.