Sharna Burgess announces surprise ‘Dancing With the Stars’ return after 5-year hiatus
Sharna Burgess is returning to “Dancing With the Stars” as a pro for Season 35 after a five-year hiatus.
The ABC dance competition show confirmed the exciting news via Instagram Monday.
“I’m back in the ballroom, baby,” Burgess said in the reveal video, blowing a kiss to the camera as she stunned in a dazzling ballroom costume.
“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.
Fans and fellow “DWTS” pros in the comments section couldn’t be more excited about the Australian dancer’s return.
“YESSS,” Ezra Sosa wrote. “My girllllllll is back!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️” former pro Peta Murgatroyd added.
Other “DWTS” alums Sasha Farber and Lindsay Arnold also expressed their enthusiasm.
Burgess, 41, spoke more about her decision to return to “DWTS” during Monday’s broadcast of “Good Morning America.”
“I’m back! Some of you guys guessed it. Yes, I am here with a special announcement to finally confirm, I’m back with ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ baby,” she told viewers.
“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. I’ll see you all soon.”
Burgess originally joined “DWTS” as a troupe member in 2011 for Season 13. She later made her debut as a professional partner in 2013 for Season 16.
In 2022, Burgess announced she wouldn’t be returning to “DWTS” ahead of Season 31. The decision came two months after giving birth to her and fiancé Brian Austin Green’s son, Zane.
Burgess and Green, notably, competed on the show together for Season 30.
“Hi, I have some news that I have to tell you guys, because I keep getting so many DMs about it,” she began on her Instagram Stories at the time.
“I, after long conversations and lots of thinking and really trying to sit with what was right … I have made the really hard decision to not to do the season this year of ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ There has been a list that was released saying that I would be a pro and I won’t be.”
She explained that the time commitment that comes with competing on “DWTS” made her decide to step back from the ballroom.
“I was not ready to spend, at minimum, 10 hours a day away from Zane. I’m a full-time breastfeeding mama. And not only that, I just am so in love with being a mom. As much as it was hard to say no to ‘Dancing’ … I have this family and this newborn at home that I may never get these moments back [with].”
After her exit, the choreographer still stayed involved with the show, making a surprise special appearance during the milestone 500th episode in November 2024.
Burgess’ return is just one of the many exciting cast announcements in the weeks leading up to Season 35.
Last week, Page Six confirmed that Julia Stiles is headed to the ballroom.
Previously confirmed castings include “Summer House” star Ciara Miller and “Love Island” alum Maura Higgins.
The network also revealed that Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson and Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez, will be contestants this season.
The full “DWTS” Season 35 cast — both celebrities and professionals — will be announced Sept. 2 on “Good Morning America.”
Season 35 of “DWTS” premieres Sept. 15 on ABC and Disney+.
