Cheryl Burke has tested positive for COVID-19 one day before the live taping of Dancing With The Stars. The pro dancer is currently matched with beloved Peloton instructor, Cody Rigsby. The duo performed a tango to the song "Physical" by Dua Lipa for their debut performance on the hit ABC show and was highly praised by the judges' panel consisting of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli. Though the first elimination has yet to take place, the judges gave the fan-favorite couple a total of 24 out of 40, which was right in the middle of the star-studded leaderboard.
Ahead of the premiere episode, the pro dancer took to social media to express her nerves about competing sober on Dancing With The Stars for the very first time. Cheryl decided to become sober last September following the death of her father. Revealing that her dad was an alcoholic, Cheryl realized she was picking up some of his tendencies and began to get hives whenever she drank. Though Cheryl is used to nerves kicking in hours before any season premiere, she used to mask it with a drink. Cheryl also took a moment to address the retirement rumors that have been circulating around the media. Admitting the answer to that question "isn't definitive," Cheryl plans to just listen to her body after this season is over.
In a new Instagram video, Cheryl told her fans she was nervous to get her COVID rapid test for the ABC show this week. "Unfortunately, I am on my way to take a COVID test, because not only do I feel scared and at a loss for words, I feel run down a little bit," Cheryl said while driving to the testing location. Cheryl added that she's fully vaccinated and is nervous that she won't be able to perform with Cody on Monday, September 27. Later in the afternoon, the dancing pro revealed that she tested positive.
As tears began to flow, Cheryl explained how she has been feeling more sick throughout the day while she awaited her results. "I feel so bad. I feel so bad for Cody, I feel like I'm letting him down. I just feel like s**t and it's so overwhelming," she said, adding that she has been on set and in rehearsals, so she hopes she hasn't already spread the virus to the cast and crew. Cheryl went on to tell her fans directly that COVID-19 is a real concern. She is now ordered to stay home and quarantine for 10 days. Following her post, many other Dancing With The Stars pros shared their support in the comments. Alan Bersten sent his prayers, Emma Slater sent her love, Peta Murgatroyd sent her apologies, and Sharna Burgess expressed her shock. There is no word yet on how the show will proceed with Cody and his planned performance, considering producers aren't positive of the gym instructors' exposure to the virus as of today.
The easiest way to ensure Cody is able to continue his Dancing With The Stars journey is to pair him with another dancing pro in the interim. The ABC show has done it plenty of times in the past when partners have injured themselves and were forced by doctor's orders to support their team from the sidelines. As producers scramble to figure things out in the hours before they go live, fans are wishing Cheryl well.
Dancing With The Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: Cheryl Burke/Instagram