Helen Richey made a triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars on Sunday night.
The 79-year-old was introduced with great fanfare by co-host Sonia Kruger, who enthusiastically 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 made me cry… I’m glad to be back.’
Kruger responded, ‘We’re so glad to have you back. We’ve missed you.’
Richey rejoins the judging panel alongside Mark Wilson, Craig Revel Horwood, and Sharna Burgess.
A former competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, Richey has been an integral part of the show since its inception.
She served as a judge from the very first season in 2004 up until the 15th series in 2015, when the show was initially not renewed.
Helen Richey, 79, (pictured) has made a triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars
Helen made a return 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 exited the series after her husband Robert had a health scare, prompting her desire to spend more time with her family.
‘I have loved being 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 I can’t participate this season, but family comes first,’ she went on.
The beloved judge quickly received a standing ovation from the audience
‘Robert and I will be watching on from home and wish all the contestants the best of luck for their turn on the dancefloor.’
Season 21 premiered on Sunday night starring 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 be strutting their stuff.
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 with great fanfare by co-host Sonia Kruger, who enthusiastically announced, ‘Her Majesty has returned to her rightful throne!’