Sharna Burgess was once one of the most familiar faces on Dancing With the Stars, appearing as a professional dancer for 14 seasons. After making her debut in Season 16 in 2013, she quickly became a fan favorite and eventually won the Mirrorball Trophy with Bobby Bones in Season 27. However, Burgess’ time on the show has been marked by several unexpected departures and difficult experiences, leaving fans wondering whether she will ever return.

Burgess’ first major exit came after Season 27, when she and Artem Chigvintsev were left out of the Season 28 cast following the hiring of a new creative director. At the time, Burgess said she was “unbelievably sad” not to return but remained grateful for her years on the show. She later told ET that she was not given a specific explanation beyond the fact that producers could not find a suitable partner for her that season. She also rejected speculation that her salary had played a role in the decision.

Burgess eventually returned for Season 29, where she was paired with Jesse Metcalfe. However, she later described the experience as particularly difficult, saying she was unable to be alone with her partner after the first few weeks because of incidents that had occurred during their time together. The pair were eliminated early in the competition.

For Season 30, Burgess was partnered with her then-boyfriend, now-fiancé Brian Austin Green. Their relationship quickly became a major part of the show’s storyline, but Burgess was reportedly unhappy with how much attention was placed on their romance rather than Green’s individual journey. She eventually expressed her concerns to someone involved with the show, and the couple was eliminated soon afterward.

Burgess then stepped away from the competition following the birth of her son, Zane, in 2022. With rehearsals beginning only weeks after his birth, she decided that she needed to focus on motherhood instead. Although she expected to return the following season, she was not invited back for Season 32.

The decision was difficult for Burgess, particularly because she had not expected another break from the show. She described her final years with DWTS as rocky while emphasizing that she still deeply loved the program. She also pointed to changes behind the scenes, including the arrival of a new executive producer, as part of the uncertainty surrounding her position.

Now, Burgess may have another opportunity to return. Although the Season 35 cast has not yet been officially confirmed, rumors about her comeback have circulated following her appearance at a Dancing With the Stars fan convention. Burgess also revealed that she had been in discussions about Season 34 but ultimately decided she was not ready at the time.

Her circumstances have since changed. With her son older and her career priorities evolving, Burgess has made her position clear: if Dancing With the Stars asks her to return for Season 35, she would “absolutely say yes.”

Dancing With the Stars, Season 35 Premiere, Tuesday, September 15, 8/7c.
Source: https://www.tvinsider.com/