Former Dancing With the Stars Host Brooke Burke Reflects on Past and Future in Light of 20th Birthday Special
Former Dancing With the Stars host Brooke Burke has decided not to participate in the show's 20th birthday special, citing that she feels she has already accomplished everything she needed to on the show. Despite forming strong relationships during her time on DWTS, Burke believes her time on the series is in the past and that returning would not hold the same level of excitement for her.
Brooke Burke and fellow former contestant Jennie Garth, who were both paired with former pro Derek Hough during their seasons, discussed their decision not to participate in the special. Garth joked about receiving an email regarding the event but chose not to read it. Burke expressed that while she never closes professional doors, she feels she has already achieved what she set out to do during her time on DWTS.
Burke reflected on her experience on the show, mentioning that it was both fun and challenging. She also addressed her exit from DWTS in 2014, sharing that she was disappointed to find out she wouldn't be returning for season 18. Burke explained that there were reasons on both sides for her departure and that the way it was handled was unexpected.
In addition to Burke, original DWTS host Tom Bergeron also faced an unexpected exit from the show in 2020. Bergeron announced that he and cohost Erin Andrews would not be returning for season 29. He later discussed his departure on a podcast, mentioning his desire to keep politics out of the ballroom as a contributing factor. Bergeron expressed that he would not consider returning as host and believed the show should either continue with new hosts or come to a natural end.
Dancing With the Stars' 20th Birthday Special is set to air on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, November 11, at 8 p.m. ET. Viewers can also stream the special on Hulu the following day.