Heavy/Getty One retired DWTS pro says she wasn't invited back for Len Goodman tribute.
Past and present “Dancing With the Stars” cast members will join together on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, for a tribute to Len Goodman.
Goodman died in April 2023 following a battle with cancer. The DWTS cast will be honoring his memory with a tribute dance that will include many pros who have taken part on the show over the years. A few names were left off the list, however, including Cheryl Burke.
In talking about week 5 of season 32, Burke said she’s looking forward to watching.
“This is going to be a little bit of an emotional one since I see the OG pros coming back. A tribute to Len Goodman,” Burke said on the October 18, 2023, episode of her “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast.
“I’m a little sad that, you know, I’m not there. It’s not by choice. I didn’t get asked. But, yeah. More on this, I guess, next week,” she continued, adding “but, yeah. It’s a shame.”
Here’s what you need to know:
8 Former Pros Have Been Confirmed for the Len Goodman Tribute
So far, eight former pros will be returning for the special tribute to Goodman. They are Kym Herjavec, Tony Dovolani, Edyta Śliwińska, Karina Smirnoff, Mark Ballas, Anna Trebunskaya, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Louis Van Amstel.
Former pros who won’t be part of the tribute dance include Burke, Witney Carson, Sharna Burgess, and Lindsay Arnold, though it’s unclear if any will be in the ballroom to watch.
Goodman was the head judge on the show since the very beginning. In 2022, during a live episode on season 31, he announced his decision to retire.
“I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I’ve decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain,” he said, not leaving a dry eye in the house.
Five months later, Goodman died.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” his manager Jackie Gill said in a statement given to BBC News. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him,” the statement continued.
Cheryl Burke Retired After Season 31
Burke was a long-time staple on “Dancing With the Stars.” She joined the cast on season 2 and won back-to-back Mirrorball Trophies alongside Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith, respectively.
“This has been one of the absolute hardest decisions of my life & I am also confident that it is the right one,” Burke captioned an Instagram post on November 20, 2022.
“This show has been my 2nd family since I was 21 years old. The cast, crew & fans have seen me through my highest highs & some of my lowest lows, & I honestly don’t know who I would be today without them. I also know that it is time for me to begin the next phase of my career, although dance will always be a part of me,” she added.
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