When you’ve spent nearly two decades waltzing through “Dancing with the Stars,” it’s bound to come with a few romantic plot twists; and the love life of Cheryl Burke has been just as captivating as her career. From a long-term relationship with a famous actor to the “showmances” she’s admitted to, Burke’s journey has been a mix of love, lessons, and a whole lot of growth. And through it all, she’s stayed classy, honest, and unapologetically herself.
The Matthew Lawrence Years
If Cheryl and Matthew Lawrence sound like a Hollywood “what if” story… well, they kind of are. The two first met in 2006 thanks to Matthew’s brother Joey, who was competing on “Dancing with the Stars” at the time. Sparks flew, and the pair started dating in 2007. But things fizzled a year later, and they went their separate ways.
Fast forward to 2017; because apparently, fate loves a good encore. The two reconnected and picked up right where they left off. By 2018, they were engaged, and the following year, they said “I do” in a gorgeous California ceremony (Inside Weddings) surrounded by friends, family, and fans who were absolutely rooting for them.
Getty (Alberto E. Rodriguez)Sadly, things took a turn in 2022 when Burke filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Their split became official in September that year, closing a significant chapter in her life. What followed was an unexpected custody battle… not over kids, but over their beloved French bulldog (per People). Yep, even that got emotional.
Still, if you’ve followed Burke at all, you know she doesn’t crumble easily. Post-divorce, she’s been all about healing, reflecting, and figuring out who she is outside of marriage. She’s spoken candidly about therapy, self-discovery, and moving forward on her own terms; something her fans have definitely connected with.
Showmances and the DWTS Spark
Let’s be real; when you’re spending hours a day dancing cheek-to-cheek with someone, feelings can happen. And Cheryl Burke isn’t pretending otherwise. During a 2024 appearance on the Amy & T.J. podcast, she admitted she’s had a few “showmances” during her time on “Dancing with the Stars.” She didn’t spill all the names (because where’s the fun in that?), but she did confirm one: former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson, her Season 10 partner.
Fans definitely remember their chemistry that season; it was impossible to miss. And when Burke appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show flashing a ring, the rumor mill went wild. But as she clarified, there was no engagement, just a lot of fun and a great connection. “Lust. It’s not love, right?” Burke told Amy & T.J..
Cheryl Burke & Future Romance
Burke’s honesty about her dating past is part of what keeps fans rooting for her. She doesn’t sugarcoat the ups and downs, but she also never loses her optimism. These days, she seems focused on self-growth and what’s next; both personally and professionally. “I’m dating myself at the moment,” she told ET back in 2023. “I totally would get married again. I mean, I know we should probably go from like meeting somebody first, not like straight to the altar, but our time is limited on this planet.”
“My heart is full. I’m so proud of myself in a way which I never thought I would ever say that to myself or about myself. But it’s doing the work from inside out instead of defining yourself from the outside in,” she explained. “And I think in this business, especially, it’s hard, right? Because we all want that reassurance. We all want that round of applause. But really, if you can’t fill that up yourself, it’s not consistent, right? You’re stuck with you for the rest of your life. And that’s a forever journey. It’s not overnight.”
And if her track record’s any indication, whatever comes next will be worth waiting for.
