Sharna Burgess Rejoins Dancing With the Stars for Season 35

Pro dancer Sharna Burgess will rejoin Dancing With the Stars for its upcoming 35th season after a five-year competitive hiatus. The announcement occurred on the August 24 broadcast of Good Morning America ahead of the show's September 15 premiere on ABC and Disney+.

Burgess debut on Season 16 in 2013, eventually winning Season 27 alongside podcaster Bobby Bones. Her original run ended following Season 30 in 2021, where she performed with her now-fiancé Brian Austin Green after previous appearances as a four-time finalist.

Her initial departure followed the hiring of a new executive producer, Andrew Llinares, for Season 28. Burgess publicly addressed her unexpected exit shortly after learning she would not participate.

"I am unbelievably sad to not be back!!!" said Burgess, former DWTS pro. "However, what I can wholeheartedly tell you is that it's all good, ALL love and in this moment I can't help but be grateful for the time and the journey that I've had, the people I've met, the incredible talent I've shared the stage with and the memories I've made. To say the least.. it's been epic. and to have finally won still feels as exciting and special as it did the moment @tombergeron said our names."

Addressing the production decision in an interview, Burgess recalled receiving official notice while driving to a meeting. Producers cited difficulties with partner assignments rather than financial disputes.

"I got the really super sad phone call that was a 'Is this real life?' moment for me," said Burgess. "I was driving on the freeway on my way to a meeting and I was chatting with our executive producer [Andrew Llinares], and I could hear it the moment he got on the phone, in his voice."

She explained the lack of advance warning regarding roster decisions on the show.

"There was no hint that this would be the case," said Burgess. "There never is, and, by the way, we all go through the same thing every season, we don't know if we are back until we get that pick up letter."

Burgess re-joined the series for Seasons 29 and 30. During her Season 29 partnership with Jesse Metcalfe, interpersonal dynamic issues altered rehearsal scheduling.

"I had a partner that was really difficult — and not say too much because I don't want to — I wasn't able to be in the room alone with him after the first couple of weeks because of things that happened," said Burgess. "That was rocky, and we were eliminated very quickly."

She subsequently partnered with Green for Season 30, but objected to production choices focusing heavily on their romantic relationship over performance progression.

"I did text someone at that time and was like, 'Hey, this isn't what we signed up for. If this is what you want for us, you just have to eliminate us because we can't do this,'" said Burgess. "And we were quickly eliminated after that."

Following the birth of her son Zane in 2022, Burgess sat out Season 31. Expecting to return for Season 32, she was not selected for the roster.

"Because it was such a shock, because I wasn't expecting it, it was tough," said Burgess. "It's not the first time. My last five years on the show have been rocky.

Not because of the show. I love the show deeply, but we had a new executive producer come in, I think five years ago now. I had just won with Bobby Bones, and he decided not to bring me back.

There's a lot of speculation as to why."

Explaining initial talks for Season 34 in 2025, Burgess noted she declined full participation due to family commitments and other projects.

"It wasn't a hard offer on the table, but there was definitely a temperature check," said Burgess. "If they were to ask me this year, I would absolutely say yes."

Burgess joins returning pro Witney Carson, alongside cast members Rylee Arnold, Ezra Sosa, and Jan Ravnik. The full celebrity and pro pairing lineup will be formally announced September 2 on Good Morning America.