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Backstreet Boy AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke continue to climb their way up the leader board on this season of Dancing With the Stars. But Burke recently revealed which celebrity contestant she would choose as her partner if she were given a choice. Find out which celebrity Burke would want to dance with on season 29 of Dancing With the Stars. 

Cheryl Burke and AJ McLean
Cheryl Burke and AJ McLean ‘DWTS’ Season 29 | Eric McCandless/ABC

AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke are partners on season 29 of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ 

McLean is the second Backstreet Boy to grace the Dancing With the Stars ballroom. His bandmate Nick Carter came in second place with his partner Sharna Burgess during season 21 of the competition.

McLean and Burke’s connection goes beyond Dancing With the Stars. They are both sober now, each with a past of alcohol abuse. They share tales about their addiction and highlights from Dancing With the Stars on their new podcast, Pretty Messed Up. During a recent episode, Burke revealed who she would choose as her celebrity partner, given the chance. 

Cheryl Burke wants to dance with Justina Machado 

During the “What MATTers Most” episode of the podcast, Burke and McLean answered fan-submitted questions. One fan wanted to know who each person would choose as their partner if they had a say. Burke chose actor Justina Machado for one reason — she reminds Burke of her good friend, Leah Remini. 

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“Justina — she goes full out,” Burke said. “I love her. She reminds me of Leah Remini when she did the show.” For Burke, Machado has a similar personality to Remini, and that’s something she connects with.

“I love that type of personality,” Burke added. “They don’t give a sh*t [but] when they go out there [to perform,] they give so much. And when they walk off they’re like, ‘This is bullsh*t.’ I love [Machado].”

Cheryl Burke and Leah Remini have been friends for a while 

Burke’s relationship with Remini began when she competed on Dancing With the Stars in season 17. When Burke married Matthew Lawrence in May 2019, Remini stood by her side as her matron of honor. 

“Words cannot fully express how thankful I am for you opening up your heart and gathering my family and friends today,” Burke captioned a photo of she and the King of Queens star a few months before the wedding. “I am overflowing with gratitude and appreciation. The fact that you said yes to being my Matron of Honor was enough, but you wanting to make everything perfect for me, means the world — I will never forget this special day for as long as I live.” The two remain close friends today. 

While Burke might enjoy dancing with Machado because of the similarities she shares with Remini, the truth is that Burke is having the time of her life performing with her actual partner, McLean. 

Tune in to Dancing With the Stars Monday nights at 8PM EST to see if Burke can take home another Mirror Ball. 

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