Sheryl Burke claims she’ll be a ‘DWTS’ fan ‘forever, for life’ after leaving show: ‘This is where I grew up’

Cheryl Burke can’t believe it’s time to actually step away from “Dancing with the Stars” following Monday night’s season 31 finale.

After losing to fourth place in the most recent season alongside her celebrity partner Sam Champion, Burke is back for one final performance.

In an interview with ET Canada’s Keshia Chanté, she shared her feelings:

READ MORE: Sheryl Burke leaves ‘Dancing With the Stars’ after 26 seasons: ‘One of the hardest decisions of my life’

Burke claimed she thought she “nailed” the dance, adding that she could really sink her departure now.

she said:

“I know it, so I couldn’t open anything [there will be] tears. But now I’m really trying to absorb it all,” she claimed there were a lot of distractions.

She gushed that she loves the people on the show so much and said about whether she’ll be tuning in next year. This is where I have grown up all my life. I have been here for 17 years of her…I will forever, forever, be the number one fan of Dancing with the Stars. ”

READ MORE: Sheryl Burke reveals trauma bond led her to abusive man: ‘It feels like home’

Burke joined the show in 2006 for its second season.

Ahead of her final appearance, she shared an emotional post with a lengthy message that read:

“The cast, crew and fans have seen some of my highest highs and lowest lows. I honestly don’t know who I would be today without them. Dance will always be a part of me, but I also know it’s time to start the next phase of my career.”