Cheryl Burke Spills the Tea on 'Dancing with the Stars' Romance Rumors

Cheryl Burke, a vibrant presence on Dancing With The Stars, recently shared some candid thoughts about the often flirty world of celebrity partnerships on the show. At 40, she’s a seasoned veteran, having graced the dance floor for 26 seasons, but her observations crackle with just the right mix of humor and insight. Don’t get your dance shoes in a twist: when it comes to “hookups” between pros and contestants, she’s all in, but the “full-blown” romances are rarer than a perfect pirouette.

Talking to Fox News Digital after the season 33 premiere, Burke, who now hosts the cheekily titled podcast Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, pointed out the frisson of attraction that can sometimes lead to a quick hop in the hay. “Sure, there are hookups,” she said with a wink, “but are there full-blown relationships? That’s like spotting a unicorn in sequins—rarely.” But don’t worry, gentle reader; she quickly pivoted to highlight some success stories, like Robert Herjavec and his pro partner Kym Johnson, who not only danced but also married after their time together on season 20.

“Let’s be real,” Burke noted. “During the competition, everyone’s on this honeymoon high, full of glitter and glee.” She chuckled, “But you haven’t seen the real test until you start choreographing two dances a week. Just wait until fatigue sets in—good luck staying sweet!”

During a guesting on The Amy & T.J. Podcast, Burke cheerfully divulged that she had a few “showmances” of her own, with three of her celebrity partners during her dancing days. Fun fact: couples that “dry hump” together stay together… or at least that’s what she implied while discussing the intimate nature of ballroom dancing. “It’s an intimate contact sport, darling!”

But when it comes to lasting love, Burke’s experience revealed the challenges behind those glittering showmances. “It’s seven days a week—consumed with each other and each other's insecurities,” she confessed. “You have to be ready to be vulnerable, which feels silly at times. Trust is crucial, but do you really trust someone after just a few chaotic days? I mean, come on!”

While she wouldn’t disclose all her showmance partners (cough, maybe a football legend called Chad Ochocinco?), she was clear that while lust may ignite those moments, it rarely translates to love once the cameras stop rolling. “It’s just not love, is it? In that moment, you think it is until reality checks in and you think, ‘Wait, who even are you in the daylight?’”

Now, as season 33 heats up, whispers of romance between pro Gleb Savchenko and contestant Brooks Nader tantalize fans. But Burke, with her trademark flair for maintaining a boundary, reminded everyone that the two have already denied rumors, saying it’s “none of my business.” Wise words, Cheryl. Meanwhile, she’s got her eye on another pairing—a budding romance between Sasha Farber and former Bachelorette star Jenn Tran. “I genuinely think that might have legs—more than a fleeting fling,” she smiled.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a dance competition without a bit of off-stage drama. Recently, the scandal of pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev finding himself tangled in a domestic violence arrest added a twist to the already intricate steps of “DWTS.” Burke shared her surprise upon hearing the news, admitting that discussing her peers in the spotlight can feel awkward, especially on her podcast. “It’s like living in an episode of my life where everyone knows my business!”

On a separate note, the casting of convicted felon Anna Delvey sent ripples through the fanbase. Burke, while not particularly thrilled about it, remarked, “Well, what’s done is done. We have to embrace her, but darling, she better embrace this process too.” And while Delvey graced the premiere in a sparkling ankle monitor, Burke’s expectations remained high—hoping to see her display some genuine emotion instead of a frozen facade.

Finally, Burke wrapped up her chat with an invitation for fans to tune into her podcast, where she dives into the deliciously messy side of life