Yahoo Lifestyle Cheryl Burke announces she's pausing “Dancing With the Stars” podcast, “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans”
"I’ve made the bittersweet decision to say farewell — for now — to this podcast," Burke wrote on social media.
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Cheryl Burke in 2022Cheryl Burke is bidding adieu to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom once more.
The former DWTS pro announced via Instagram Monday that she's pausing her hit podcast, Sex, Lies and Spray Tans, for the foreseeable future.
"After an incredible journey, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to say farewell—for now—to this podcast," she wrote, alongside a video of her signing off. "This chapter has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, filled with growth, meaningful conversations, and powerful connections."
Related: Cheryl Burke is happy Joey Graziadei won DWTS, but thinks another celeb is 'true star' of the season
Burke also discussed the decision on the Dec. 30 podcast episode, "Goodbye For Now."
"I have a bittersweet, I guess, announcement,” she shared. “I just want to say to you guys that, as I sit down to share this message, my heart is honestly just filled with so much gratitude, and it’s been such an emotional, I guess, few weeks or a few days since making the decision to pause this podcast. This has been an incredible journey."
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Cheryl Burke in 2023Burke's podcast launched in September 2023, delivering nearly 200 episodes in a little over a year. The podcast featured Burke reminiscing about her experiences on DWTS, as well as speaking to former contestants, pro dancers, and other members of the DWTS world. Her behind-the-scenes reveals often generated buzzy headlines, which Burke acknowledged in her sign-off to listeners.
"You, my loyal listeners, have been my rock and my backbone, especially during moments of controversy," she wrote. "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 also gave a shoutout to those who she said always understood the show came from a place of love, rather than any desire to impugn the dancing reality series.
"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," she added. "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."
In addition to thanking podcast producer iHeartRadio for giving her support and a platform, Burke also thanked her many guests and listeners.
"To my guests, thank you for trusting me with your stories and making this podcast a space for vulnerability and authenticity," she noted. "And to my listeners, thank you for embracing this journey with open hearts and open minds. Because of you, this chapter has been unforgettable."
Burke also mentioned that she already has many new opportunities on the horizon for 2025, which helped spur her decision to temporarily end the podcast.
"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," she teased. "I hope you’ll continue to follow me, support me, and join me as I embrace what’s next. Wherever this next chapter takes me, I promise to bring the same authenticity, energy, and love to it."
On the final (for now) episode, Burke elaborated on her thought process and her decision to step back so that she can focus on new opportunities. She hinted at the possibility of the podcast's return for season 35 of DWTS, which would not be until fall 2026. "But there's also a slight chance that that won't happen," she added. “There's so many opportunities and, new, I guess, doors opening and it's really exciting."
“With all the hard work that I've put into this podcast, I couldn't do it any other way,” she finished. “So with this new year approaching, I kinda just had to choose which path I wanted to go down this time around and I have to see what else is out there. I have learned so much on this podcast. It has definitely been such an incredible journey to be able to get to know the people I was lucky enough to interview through the past year.”
"I just really reevaluated my life and decided to just say farewell, I guess, for now to this podcast and to close this beautiful chapter," she concluded.
Burke participated in 26 seasons of DWTS, earning the honor of being the first female pro to win the Mirrorball trophy. She left the show following season 31, pivoting into other arenas of unscripted television.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
