She hung up the heels and now she’s hanging up the microphone. Former “Dancing With the Stars” pro Cheryl Burke announced Monday that she’s suspending her DWTS podcast “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans.”
“I’ve made the bittersweet decision to say farewell—for now—to this podcast,” Burke said in an Instagram video. “You, my loyal listeners, have been my rock and my backbone, especially during moments of controversy. The only reason I kept going with my head held high was because of your unwavering support and belief in me. I cannot thank you enough for being a part of this journey and for truly understanding my intentions.”
Burke used “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” as a way to comment on news surrounding the world of “DWTS,” including the arrest of former pro Artem Chigvinstev and the many backstage relationships that developed between celebrities and partners. In her statement, Burke stressed that she never intended to use the podcast to spread any negative perceptions of “Dancing with the Stars.”
“To anyone who may have misinterpreted this podcast or questioned my love for the show that shaped me, I encourage you to listen to the episodes,” Burke said. “My heart has always been in the right place, and I’ve seen so many of your comments affirming that. I will never forget where I came from, and my love for that chapter of my life will never waver. Any negative perceptions about me in the headlines could not be further from the truth. This podcast was always about truth, connection, and storytelling—not taking anything down.”
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During her 26-season tenure on “Dancing With the Stars,” Burke was paired with celebrities such as Drew Carey, Rob Kardashian, Chris Jericho and Ryan Lochte, among others. Burke won the mirrorball twice in her “DWTS” career, becoming the first competitor to do so in back-to-back seasons. She won with Drew Lachey in season two, then again in season three with Emmitt Smith. Burke was also the first female pro to win the series.
Beyond “Dancing With the Stars”, Burke briefly served as head coach on “Dance Moms,” replacing Abby Lee Miller in 2017. In 2011, Burke released her autobiography “Dancing Lessons.”