Former “Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer Sharna Burgess is officially heading back to the ballroom to compete on season 35! Burgess’ return was announced on “Good Morning America” on Monday, August 24, after a five-year hiatus from the beloved series.
Burgess’ last season on DWTS was season 30 in 2021, when she paired with Brian Austin Green, who would eventually become her fiancé and the father of her son. However, her departure from the show wasn’t entirely her decision, making her history with DWTS and those behind the scenes a complicated one.
Sharna Burgess’ 5-Year Absence From DWTS Explained
GettyFans are excited to see professional dancer Sharna Burgess back in the ballroom for the upcoming 35th season after a five-year hiatus. However, many fans are wondering why Burgess spent so many years away from DWTS despite how much she loved being a part of the show.
It all goes back to season 27, when Burgess was partnered with radio host Bobby Bones. Although the pair won the mirrorball trophy, their victory sparked major backlash from both viewers and the judges, as Bones consistently received low scores and wasn’t exactly the best dancer.
Despite winning the season and being a pro since 2013, Burgess was not asked back for season 28. While speaking to ET, she stated that they couldn’t find a partner for her, which sounded totally absurd.
“I got the really super sad phone call that was a ‘Is this real life?’ moment for me,” she told the outlet. She shared that she spoke with executive producer Andrew Llinares, who told her, “I could hear it in his voice from the moment the phone call started, and my adrenaline spiked. I pulled over and he let me know that they love me and I am very much a part of the family at DWTS, but they could not partner me up with a partner this season.”
She added that there was “honestly no” other reason they could find as to why they were not inviting her back besides not finding the perfect partner. Of course, this was outrageous to Burgess.
“What’s tough about hearing that is I’ve danced with everyone from Andy Dick to Bobby Bones to a Backstreet Boy, there is no type, and it has nothing to do with height and has nothing to do with anything [specific]. For whatever reason, the people in the room who decide who’s on the cast felt that I wasn’t what they wanted for this version of the show, and that is OK because the team in there has changed,” she said.
According to People, Burgess was asked back for season 29, where she partnered with Jesse Metcalfe. However, called their dynamic “rocky” and “really difficult.” The pair ended up in 12th place.
Her last appearance was on season 30, where she was partnered with her now-fiancé, Brian Austin Green.
Burgess did not return to season 31 because she had just welcomed her son, Zane Walker Green, in June 2022. While speaking on her “Oldish” podcast, she shared it was a “huge shock” when she was not asked back for the following season.
“And I was speaking with them about it. It just felt like I needed to sit in motherhood with Zane. It was always, ‘I want to come back next year,’ and ‘Of course, we love you, we’ll always have you,'” she said.
She continued, “For me, two things can be true. I can love the show and be so excited for everyone that got the position to be there, and really thrilled for the people that they have, but I can also be really sad and heartbroken that I don’t get to do that this season.”
Burgess Is Excited to Return to the DWTS Ballroom
Burgess is excited to get back into the ballroom and win the coveted mirrorball trophy. During “Good Morning America’s” announcement of her grand return on August 24, Burgess shared, “I’m back! Some of you guessed it; yes, I am here with a special announcement to finally confirm I’m back on ‘Dancing With the Stars, ‘ baby.”
“I’m going to be competing for that Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy. I can’t wait to be back in the ballroom with my dancing family and mostly, it feels so good to be coming home,” she added.
Her return was also announced on the official DWTS Instagram page, which shared a video of Burgess standing behind white feathers before revealing her in a stunning outfit fit for the upcoming season.
“A little birdie told us an absolute firecracker is back in the ballroom 💥 Please give @sharnaburgess a warm welcome on her return as a #DWTS pro!” The caption read.
So far, Burgess and pro Witney Carson, who is four months pregnant and will be paired with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” star Guillermo Rodriguez, are the only dancers announced for the new season.
