Cheryl Burke Hints at ‘DWTS’ Exit After Season 31 Elimination

A new chapter? Cheryl Burke seemingly confirmed not to return Dancing with the stars next year talking about her recent elimination from season 31.

“Many have asked me if this is my last season. The answer to that question is probably yes, this is my last season – as a dancer, that is,” the professional dancer, 38, said on Sunday, October 16th episode of her “Burke in the Game” podcast. “It’s hard for me to be a part of the show for 26 seasons [to leave] … I always come back, because I guess it’s really hard to say goodbye to a show and a family that I only know here in Los Angeles.”

Burke continued: “I moved here when I was 21. I am now 38 years old. My body is also telling me to stop and it was.”

Explaining that departure DWTS it might help her learn to “be okay with the uncertainty of what life will throw at me,” Dance Moms star teased that she could potentially return to the series in a different role. “I believe, however, that I have proven myself enough to be a correspondent or anchor,” Burke continued. “I’m not saying I’m trying to take anybody’s job, guys. … I’m just saying you can always add another host. You can always add another judge. It is a two-hour show without commercial breaks. … There are other options that I have and we’re in the middle of discussing all of this right now.”

Even if she doesn’t return for Season 32, Burke is “grateful” for her time on the ABC ball competition. “It is what it is. Life goes on. There is life after Dancing with the stars. I know that,” she said. “I also know that I have to move forward, one foot in front of the other and one step at a time. Now is my time.”

The California native continued, “Anyway, I had an amazing run. … Every single person on that show — from behind the camera to the camera, from people who were part of the show and people who are no longer part of the show — will always have a special place in my heart.”

Burke also revealed that she went into this season assuming it would be her last time competing for the mirror trophy. Choreographer, who won consecutive seasons with partners Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smithis paired with Champion himself in Season 31, and were sent home during the Disney-themed episode on October 10.

“But it was so amazing to end it with someone I really love like Sam Champion,” she explained. “Even though it was very short, it was so sweet. I know in my heart that this is the right decision. Am I scared? Yes. I sure did. Will I be OK? Absolutely.”

Last month, the TV personality spoke openly about the role DWTS she played in many “different chapters” of her life, from engagement to Matthew Lawrence through their split after almost three years of marriage. “It’s like, this show, there’s a common denominator here, which is Dancing with the Stars, you know?” Burke said Us Weekly a week after her divorce from Boy Meets World alum is finished.