Helen Richey made a triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars on Sunday night.
The 79-year-old was introduced with much 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.
Richey was clearly moved by the overwhelming reception and, fighting back tears, expressed her gratitude: “You made me cry… I’m glad to be back.”
Kruger replied, “We’re so glad you’re back. We’ve missed you.”
Richey rejoins the judging panel, alongside Mark Wilson, Craig Revel Horwood and Sharna Burgess.
Richey, a former competitive and Latin American dancer, has been a staple of the show since its inception.
She was a judge from the very first season in 2004 until the 15th season in 2015, when the series was initially not renewed.
Helen Richey, 79, (pictured) has made a triumphant return to Dancing With The Stars
Helen returned in 2021 and 2022 for seasons 18 and 19, reuniting with her original panel of Todd McKenney, Paul Mercurio and Mark Wilson.
However, in 2023, she quit the series after her husband Robert developed health problems, which made her want to spend more time with her family.
“I have loved being part of Dancing With The Stars since the show started in 2004,” she told The Herald Sun at the time.
“I’m terribly sad that I can’t participate this season, but family comes first,” she continued.
The beloved judge quickly received a standing ovation from the audience
‘Robert and I are watching from home and wish all participants the best of luck on the dance floor.’
Season 21 premiered Sunday night and stars four-time Gold Logie winner Lisa McCune, MasterChef favorite 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 showcasing their skills.
This year’s contestants include comedian Nikki Osborne, Home and Away’s James Stewart, Better Homes and Gardens presenter Adam Dovile and chef Hayden Quinn.
Richey was introduced with much fanfare by co-host Sonia Kruger, who enthusiastically announced: ‘Her Majesty has returned to her rightful throne!’