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5 Shocking Revelations Behind Cheryl Burke’s ‘Bittersweet’ Podcast Hiatus

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The entertainment world was recently surprised when former Dancing with the Stars pro Cheryl Burke announced a "bittersweet decision" to put a temporary halt on her popular podcast, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans. As of late 2024/early 2025, the highly successful show, which offered candid, behind-the-scenes insights into the reality dance competition, is officially on an indefinite pause after nearly 200 episodes.

The announcement, made on the podcast itself, has fueled intense speculation among fans and media outlets about the true reasons behind the professional dancer’s decision. While Burke cited a desire to pursue "other projects" and "new opportunities," the move comes amidst a significant wave of controversy and a desire for a fresh start following her retirement from the ballroom.

Cheryl Burke: A Full Professional Biography and Career Milestones

Cheryl Stephanie Burke is an American professional dancer, model, and television host, best known for her record-breaking tenure on the hit ABC series, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS).

  • Full Name: Cheryl Stephanie Burke
  • Date of Birth: May 3, 1984
  • Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, U.S.
  • Main Career: Professional Dancer, Television Host, Podcaster, Entrepreneur
  • DWTS History: Longest-serving professional dancer in the show’s history, competing for 26 seasons.
  • Championship Wins: Two-time Mirrorball Trophy champion, winning Season 2 with partner Drew Lachey and Season 3 with partner Emmitt Smith.
  • Retirement: Retired from her role as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars in 2022.
  • Podcast: Host of the popular show, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, which launched after her DWTS retirement.
  • Other Ventures: Launched her own activewear clothing line, CeeBee, with QVC. She also served as a mentor on the I Do, Part 2 podcast.
  • Personal Life: Was married to actor Matthew Lawrence from 2019 to 2022.

The Five Core Reasons Behind the Podcast’s Temporary Farewell

The hiatus of Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, which had become a staple for DWTS fans, is not a simple one-off decision. It represents a confluence of professional pivots, personal growth, and the fallout from her candid commentary. The main reasons for the temporary halt are multifaceted, moving beyond the simple desire for a break.

1. The Need to Focus on New Business and Creative Opportunities

The primary, stated reason for the podcast pause is Cheryl Burke's desire to focus on "other projects" and explore new career avenues. After a physically demanding career spanning decades in the ballroom, Burke is actively seeking new opportunities in 2025 that align with her evolving professional goals.

Burke has hinted that several new doors are opening for her, suggesting a shift toward different entrepreneurial or hosting roles. Given her past success with her QVC clothing line, CeeBee, and her role as a mentor on the I Do, Part 2 podcast, fans anticipate an announcement about a new major venture soon.

This move is about creating space for these new ventures. Running a weekly, highly-produced podcast like Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans is a significant time commitment, and stepping away is a strategic decision to free up her schedule for bigger, more lucrative projects.

2. The Fallout and Backlash from Candid DWTS Commentary

A significant, unstated factor in the pause is the intense backlash Burke received for her candid—and sometimes controversial—remarks about her time on Dancing with the Stars. Her podcast was known for its no-holds-barred look at the show, which led to friction with the DWTS community.

During one memorable segment, Burke expressed a feeling of being "abandoned" by her former costars after her retirement from the professional dance floor. These comments, and others, generated considerable negative attention from fans and, reportedly, from within the show’s circle, forcing Burke to issue a public apology to quell the dissatisfaction.

Stepping away from the podcast is seen by many as a way for Burke to distance herself from the continuous cycle of controversy and media scrutiny tied to her DWTS history, allowing her to control her narrative and focus on a less contentious future.

3. A Desire for Creative Renewal and Mental Health Balance

While Burke clarified that the hiatus was not due to a personal crisis, the sheer volume of work—nearly 200 episodes—suggests a natural point for creative burnout. The title alone, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, implies a continuous need for deep, often emotionally revealing, content related to her life and the show.

The podcast was a direct continuation of her DWTS journey, and after 26 seasons, the need for a complete break from that specific topic is understandable. A "temporary farewell" provides the necessary mental health balance and distance to recharge before potentially tackling a new season of the show or a completely different type of content.

4. The Unofficial End of the DWTS-Focused Era

Burke officially retired from her role as a professional dancer in 2022. The podcast was a bridge, a way to stay connected to the DWTS universe and her dedicated fanbase. With the show now continuing without her on the ballroom floor, the podcast's main purpose—to provide immediate, insider recaps and interviews—has naturally diminished.

The temporary halt signals a definitive end to her primary focus on the show and allows her to fully embrace her new identity as an entrepreneur and host outside of the competitive dance world. This pivot is crucial for her long-term career growth.

5. The Door is Still Open: A Potential 2026 Comeback

Crucially, the decision is a *temporary* halt, not a permanent cancellation. Burke left a tantalizing hint about a potential return, suggesting there is a "slight chance" the podcast could be revived for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.

Given the show's current schedule, Season 35 would not air until the fall of 2026. This two-year gap provides Burke with ample time to pursue her new projects, let the backlash cool down, and then return with fresh energy and new stories. The possibility of a comeback for a milestone season keeps her topical authority intact while she focuses on other ventures. The future of Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans remains a tantalizing question mark for loyal listeners.

cheryl burke has announced a temporary halt to her podcast
cheryl burke has announced a temporary halt to her podcast

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