Quick Read
- Cheryl made her first TV appearance in a year, sending a message to Vicky Pattison on Strictly Come Dancing.
- Her return comes after a period of grieving following Liam Payne’s death.
- Vicky and pro Kai Widdrington scored 33 points for their dance to Cheryl’s hit.
- Cheryl Burke defended DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba, highlighting gender bias in judging criticism.
- Debate continues over fairness and expertise in dance competition judging.
Cheryl’s Heartfelt Return Stuns Strictly Viewers
Saturday night’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing delivered more than its usual dose of glitz and glam. As the audience tuned in for Icons Week—where celebrities and their partners channel music legends—few could have predicted the emotional moment that unfolded. After a year of near silence following the tragic death of her ex-partner Liam Payne, Cheryl made her first televised appearance in the form of a supportive video message to contestant Vicky Pattison.
Vicky, who chose Cheryl as her icon for the week, performed a vibrant couple’s choice dance to the singer’s 2009 hit “Fight for This Love.” The routine was met with enthusiastic praise and a respectable 33 points from the judges. But the true crescendo came after the dance, when host Claudia Winkleman revealed a surprise. With Vicky still catching her breath, a pre-recorded video from Cheryl played on the big screen. In it, Cheryl congratulated Vicky, expressing how honored she felt to be her chosen inspiration. “I know you’ve got it in you, ’cause you’re a Geordie, so go out there, fight for your place, and I’m sending you loads of love. I’ll be rooting for you from home. Big kiss,” Cheryl said warmly.
The reaction in the studio was immediate and heartfelt. Vicky’s shock and joy were palpable as she realized Cheryl knew her name. Viewers, too, took to social media to share their emotions, many moved to tears by the moment. “The way I’m crying at Cheryl sending Vicky a message—WE LOVE YOU CHERYL,” tweeted one fan. For many, Cheryl’s reappearance brought a sense of nostalgia and unity, especially after her year away from the spotlight.
Personal Struggles and Inspiration: Cheryl’s Low Profile
Cheryl’s absence from public life this past year has not gone unnoticed. Her former partner, Liam Payne, died last October at just 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina—a loss that reverberated globally. Together, they shared an eight-year-old son, Bear. The tragedy led Cheryl to retreat from media attention, prioritizing privacy and family.
Her brief video message on Strictly was, for many, more than just celebrity support—it was a sign of resilience. Vicky Pattison herself spoke candidly about her admiration for Cheryl, relating to her journey as a working-class girl from Newcastle who weathered public ups and downs. “She’s had her grazed knees, and I just feel like I can relate to a lot of her,” Vicky said. The segment highlighted not just dance, but the power of public figures to inspire viewers to overcome their own setbacks.
Vicky’s journey on the show has mirrored this narrative. After a turbulent early career, she now aims to be the “best version” of herself, crediting her family’s support and the opportunity to perform in front of loved ones. The judges praised Vicky and Kai’s synchronization and improvement, with Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse calling it her best dance yet.
Industry Debate: Cheryl Burke Addresses Gender Bias in Dance Judging
While Cheryl’s message dominated the UK headlines, across the Atlantic, another Cheryl—Cheryl Burke—was sparking debate about the fairness of dance judging on Dancing with the Stars. Burke, a retired pro dancer, spoke out in defense of judge Carrie Ann Inaba, arguing that she faces disproportionate criticism compared to her male counterparts, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. Burke suggested that gender bias is at play, noting, “Fans often go hard on Inaba compared to her male counterparts.”
This season, scrutiny of the judges has intensified. Viewers have taken to social media to accuse the panel of inconsistent scoring and favoritism, with some pro dancers, such as Pasha Pashkov, publicly expressing frustration. Burke herself has advocated for all judges to undergo official adjudicator exams to standardize their expertise, emphasizing the importance of continuous education even for decorated professionals.
Burke’s stance underscores a broader challenge in the entertainment industry: the difficulty of balancing subjective artistic critique with perceptions of fairness. Her upcoming guest judge appearance is anticipated to bring a fresh, empowering perspective, focusing on technical merit and authenticity.
Resilience and Reflection in the Spotlight
The juxtaposition of Cheryl’s emotional return and Cheryl Burke’s call for fairness highlights how public figures navigate personal and professional challenges under scrutiny. Whether in the UK or the US, the world of televised dance competitions is more than sequins and scores—it is a stage for stories of perseverance, vulnerability, and change.
For viewers, these moments offer more than entertainment. They invite reflection on how we judge not only performances, but the people behind them. As Cheryl rooted for Vicky from afar, and as Cheryl Burke stands up for her colleagues, both women remind us that resilience is often found in quiet gestures and principled stands.
As Strictly continues with its celebration of icons, and Dancing with the Stars debates judging standards, the spotlight remains firmly on those who dare to return, speak out, and inspire.
Cheryl’s return to television was more than a celebrity cameo—it was a testament to personal strength in the face of loss, and a reminder of how the dance floor can unite audiences through shared emotion. Meanwhile, Cheryl Burke’s critique of the judging process invites the industry to examine its own biases and strive for greater fairness. Together, these stories reflect a shifting landscape in entertainment, where vulnerability and advocacy matter as much as the routines themselves.