Cheryl Burke Announces Temporary Halt To 'Sex, Lies, And Spray Tans' Podcast After Nearly 200 Episodes
What happens when a beloved Dancing with the Stars professional, known for her candor and connection with fans, decides to hit the pause button on her own wildly successful platform? For Cheryl Burke, the answer is a decision she calls "bittersweet." On December 30, 2024, the longtime DWTS pro announced she is temporarily suspending her popular podcast, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, after an incredible run of nearly 200 episodes. This news has sent ripples through the fan community, prompting questions about the reasons behind the hiatus and what the future holds for one of reality television's most recognizable personalities. This article delves deep into the announcement, the podcast's legacy, the context surrounding the decision, and what fans can expect moving forward.
The Bittersweet Announcement: A Direct Message to Fans
Cheryl Burke made her announcement directly to her followers via an Instagram video post on Monday, December 30, 2024. In the heartfelt message, she stated, "I’ve made the bittersweet decision to say farewell—for now—to this podcast." This phrasing, repeated across numerous news outlets and social media summaries, confirms that the halt is intended as a temporary pause rather than a permanent cancellation. The podcast, which she hosted on iHeartRadio, had become a significant part of her post-DWTS career, amassing a dedicated listenership eager for her unfiltered perspectives.
The timing of the announcement, right at the end of the year, gave it a reflective, conclusive feel. Burke revealed that the journey had been "incredible," highlighting the sheer volume of content produced—nearly 200 episodes—which stands as a testament to her commitment and the show's popularity. This figure translates to almost four years of weekly content, a substantial footprint in the crowded podcasting space. Her use of the word "bittersweet" perfectly captures the emotional complexity of ending something successful: the pride in accomplishment mixed with the sadness of stepping away.
Who is Cheryl Burke? A DWTS Legend's Journey
Before diving into the podcast's content and the hiatus, it's essential to understand the woman behind the microphone. Cheryl Burke is not just a podcaster; she is a cornerstone of Dancing with the Stars history.
Biography and Career Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheryl Burke |
| Born | May 3, 1984 |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Television Personality, Podcast Host |
| DWTS Tenure | Professional Dancer from Season 2 (2005) to Season 31 (2022). Returned for All-Stars & special appearances. |
| DWTS Achievements | First female pro to win the show (Season 2 with Drew Lachey). Two-time champion (Seasons 2 & 26 with Antonio Sabàto Jr.). |
| Podcast | Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans (iHeartRadio) |
| Podcast Run | ~200 episodes (2021-2024) |
| Announcement Date | December 30, 2024 |
| Known For | Dazzling performances, sharp wit, behind-the-scenes DWTS insights, candid personal storytelling. |
Burke's career on Dancing with the Stars spanned an astonishing 17 seasons, making her one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in the franchise's history. Her precision, power, and memorable routines earned her a loyal fanbase. Beyond her dancing, she became known for her witty commentary during results shows and her ability to connect with both celebrity partners and the audience. Her departure from the show as a regular pro after Season 31 marked the end of an era, but her voice remained influential through other platforms, primarily her podcast.
Inside 'Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans': More Than Just DWTS Tea
The podcast's title, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, immediately signaled its tone: provocative, personal, and rooted in the glitzy, sometimes gritty, world of professional dance and reality TV. For nearly 200 episodes, it served as a space for Burke to share insights from behind the DWTS curtain, as noted in the key sentences. Listeners were treated to stories about the grueling rehearsal schedules, the politics of the ballroom, the pressures of live television, and the real personalities behind the on-screen personas.
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The show wasn't solely a DWTS recap. Burke used it as a platform to discuss broader topics like mental health, relationships, body image, and the entertainment industry's challenges. She often featured guests—fellow dancers, choreographers, and celebrities—creating lively conversations that blended entertainment with substantive discussion. The "spray tans" in the title was a cheeky nod to the literal and metaphorical layers of the reality TV world, while "sex" and "lies" touched on the personal dramas and unspoken truths that fans always suspect exist backstage.
Its success lay in Burke's authentic voice. She wasn't just spilling gossip; she was reflecting on her own journey, her mistakes, her triumphs, and the evolution of her identity beyond the dancer's spotlight. This vulnerability resonated deeply with an audience that had watched her grow up on television.
The Catalyst: Backlash and the Need for a Pause
While many fans cherished the podcast's honesty, Cheryl Burke's podcast has been shut down after backlash over her Dancing with the Stars remarks, as one key sentence starkly puts it. The hiatus appears directly linked to controversy stemming from her comments about the show that made her famous. In the weeks preceding her announcement, Burke had been vocal in interviews and on her podcast about her critical views on the current direction and production of DWTS.
She expressed frustration with what she perceived as a decline in production values, the treatment of professional dancers, and the overall "energy" of the show compared to its earlier seasons. These comments, while echoing sentiments some long-time fans shared, were met with significant pushback from a segment of the fanbase and likely from internal sources at ABC and iHeartRadio. The backlash was intense enough that Burke issued a public apology after DWTS fans expressed their dissatisfaction, as noted in the final key sentence. She clarified that her love for the show and its people remained, but her critiques had struck a nerve.
This controversy created a complex situation. On one hand, Burke's authenticity was her brand. On the other, her platform was hosted by iHeartRadio, a major network with business relationships involving ABC (the broadcaster of DWTS). The tension between her candid opinions and her professional partnerships became unsustainable, making a pause a necessary step for reflection and damage control.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Support, and Speculation
The announcement of Cheryl Burke's temporary halt to her podcast has sparked curiosity among fans, but her assurance of a return brings hope for the future. Social media erupted with reactions. Many fans expressed profound disappointment, calling the podcast a "weekly therapy session" and praising Burke for her honesty. They lamented the loss of a unique, unfiltered voice in the reality TV commentary space.
Others understood the need for a break, especially given the public spat with DWTS fans. Comments like "Take the time you need, Cheryl" were common. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the why. Was the hiatus purely due to the backlash, or were there other personal or professional reasons? Burke's statement was carefully worded to leave the door open, but the subtext of the recent controversy was impossible to ignore.
The speculation also turned to her future with Dancing with the Stars itself. Key sentence 19 notes, "Cheryl Burke is bidding adieu to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom once more." While she is no longer a regular pro, she has made guest appearances. Does this podcast hiatus signal a final, complete break from the DWTS ecosystem? Or is it a strategic retreat before a potential comeback in some capacity? These questions remain unanswered.
What's Next? The Future for Cheryl Burke
So, what does "for now" and "foreseeable future" mean? Burke was clear that this is a temporary farewell, not a permanent goodbye. She likely needs time to navigate the fallout from her DWTS comments, reassess her relationship with the show and its producers, and decide on the future format and tone of her podcast. Will she return with a different platform? A slightly moderated approach? Or will she return with the same fiery honesty once the storm has passed?
Beyond the podcast, Burke has multiple avenues. She continues her work as a choreographer for live tours and special events. Her celebrity and expertise make her a sought-after for brand partnerships and public appearances. There is always the possibility of a memoir or a different television project that leverages her storytelling skills and deep industry knowledge. Her hiatus is a pause on this specific podcast, not necessarily on her entire public commentary career.
For fans hoping for her return, the best course of action is to respect her need for space while continuing to engage positively with her existing content and social media. Demonstrating unwavering support during this period may influence her decision on how and when to re-emerge.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, But Not The Story
Cheryl Burke's decision to pause Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans marks the end of a significant chapter in her post-DWTS life. For nearly 200 episodes, she provided a raw, witty, and insightful companion to the world she helped build. The bittersweet nature of this farewell is palpable—a recognition of a job well done, complicated by the very real professional and personal repercussions of speaking one's truth.
The controversy that precipitated this hiatus underscores a timeless tension in celebrity culture: the balance between authenticity and diplomacy. Burke chose authenticity, and the cost was her primary platform. Whether this is a permanent setback or a strategic recalibration remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Cheryl Burke's impact on Dancing with the Stars is indelible, and her voice, even in pause, continues to resonate. Her assurance of a return offers a lifeline of hope to her fans, who now wait, alongside her, to see what the next act holds for this multifaceted and formidable entertainer. The ballroom may be quiet for now, but the conversation she started is far from over.
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