Cheryl Burke revealed two people that absolutely swept her off her feet.
Although the Dancing with the Stars alum had some preconceived notions about some of her celebrity partners, the pro dancer admitted that it was the most unexpected pairings that waltzed into her life and stole her heart.
"I've done 20-something seasons, and I've had quite a lot of partners," the 40-year-old explained on the Dec. 1 episode of her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast. "Though I danced with Emmitt Smith twice, I have to say, actually, I had the most fun... I was shockingly surprised, I guess. I didn't expect to have such a great season like I did with Jack Osbourne and Rob Kardashian."
And while she said that her “expectations going in aren’t very high,” she soon realized that you can’t judge a book by its cover.
“Their reputations, my judgment of these two people, Jack and Rob, they were, in a way, spoiled brats when I witnessed them on MTV, and witnessed Rob on The Kardashians when he was younger,” she continued. “But these two men, they're totally not what you would expect... I just love the fact that we got along, and they didn't take themselves too seriously."
During her 26 seasons as a professional dancer on the ABC competition show, Cheryl had a star-studded list of partners, from 98 Degrees singer Drew Lachey—who she won the season five Mirrorball trophy with—to NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.
“I tend to gravitate and enjoy my seasons when it’s with a reality star or an athlete,” she added, “but mainly a reality star.”
But after nearly 17 years, Cheryl decided it was time to leave the world of DWTS behind, announcing on Instagram that she would be leaving the show after finishing season 31.
"It's the end of an era, my time as a dancer on Dancing with the Stars," she told E! News in November 2022. "It has changed my life. I have not stopped crying and I'm not one to really cry."
And even amid negative chatter about her sentiments toward the show, she made sure to clear the air and express how much she cherished the time she got to spend as a pro dancer.
"I will always be Dancing with the Stars' no. 1 fan, that's never gonna go away," she said in an April episode of her podcast. "The last thing that I want to do, or want to come across as, is someone who isn't grateful for her experience on Dancing with the Stars, and I am, as you guys know, beyond grateful."
Keep reading to see which dazzling stars competed for the most recent Mirrorball trophy…
Anna Delvey
The inspriation behind Inventing Anna traded her ankle bracelet for dancing shoes alongside partner Ezra Sosa. However, the fake heiress was eliminated during the season's Sept. 24 episode, with her saying that she learned "nothing" in her now-infamous, one-word farewell speech.
Ilona Maher
The Olympic rugby player was ready to ruck up the dance floor with pro Alan Bersten, finishing as the runner-up.
Chandler Kinney
The Disney Channel star tried to dance her way to the top with partner Brandon Armstrong and ultimately placed third.
Brooks Nader
The model and her partner Gleb Savchenko were ready to strut along the ballroom, but took their final bow on Oct. 15.
Reginald VelJohnson
All that mattered for the Family Matters alum and partner Emma Slater was taking home the Mirrorball Trophy. However, their journey was cut short during the second week of competition on Oct. 8.
Eric Roberts
The Dark Knight star was partnered with Britt Stewart. They were eliminated in the second week alongside Reginald and Emma.
Joey Graziadei
The Bachelor alum has found his rose between thorns in partner Jenna Johnson, winning season 33.
Tori Spelling
The alum of Beverly Hills, 90210 was oh so ready to dance alongside Pasha Pashkov. Unfortunately, the two last only one week and was cut from competition in a double elimination alongside Anna and Ezra.
Danny Amendola
The NFL pro and partner Witney Carson sure scored a touchdown on the dance floor, placing fifth in the finale.
Dwight Howard
The NBA star hoped to stand head and shoulders above the competition with partner Daniella Karagach, but was eliminated from the competition on Nov. 12.
Stephen Nedoroscik
The Olympian had his sights set on another medal—or should we say, Mirrorball Trophy—with partner Rylee Arnold, placing fourth in the Nov. 26 finale.
Phaedra Parks
The Traitors alum was sure to weed out the competition with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, but ended up getting cut from the lineup Oct. 22.
Jenn Tran
Though Bachelorette star and partner Sasha Farber were full bloom in the ballroom, they were eliminated from the competition on Oct. 29.