Helen Richey made a triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars on Sunday night.
The 79-year-old actress was introduced to great fanfare by co-presenter Sonia Kruger, who excitedly announced: “Her Majesty has returned to her rightful throne!”
The beloved judge quickly received a standing ovation from the audience.
Clearly moved by the overwhelming reception, Richey, fighting back tears, expressed her gratitude, saying: “You’ve brought tears to my eyes… I’m glad to be back.”
Kruger replied: “We’re so glad to have you back. We miss you.”
Richey rejoins the judging panel alongside Mark Wilson, Craig Revel Horwood and Sharna Burgess.
Richey, a former competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, has been an integral part of the show since its inception.
He served as a judge from the first season in 2004 until season 15 in 2015, when the show was initially not renewed.
Helen Richey, 79 (pictured), has made a triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars
Helen returned for seasons 18 and 19 in 2021 and 2022, reuniting with her original panel of Todd McKenney, Paul Mercurio and Mark Wilson.
However, in 2023 she left the series after her husband Robert had a health problem, prompting her desire to spend more time with her family.
“I have loved being a part of Dancing With The Stars since the show’s inception in 2004,” she told The Herald Sun at the time.
“I’m terribly disappointed not to be able to participate this season, but family comes first,” she added.
The beloved judge quickly received a standing ovation from the audience.
‘Robert and I will be watching from home and we wish all the contestants the best of luck in their turn on the dance floor.’
Season 21 premiered on Sunday night and starred four-time Gold Logie winner Lisa McCune, MasterChef favourite Julie Goodwin, model Nadia Bartel and singer Samantha Jade.
SAS Australia’s Ant Middleton, AFL legend Shane Crawford and Olympian and former Senator Nova Peris will also showcase.
Rounding out this year’s competitors are comedian Nikki Osborne, Home and Away’s James Stewart, Better Homes and Gardens presenter Adam Dovile and chef Hayden Quinn.
Richey was introduced to great fanfare by co-presenter Sonia Kruger, who excitedly announced: “Her Majesty has returned to her rightful throne!”
