Ginger Zee Daydreams of a Return: Good Morning America Star Admits Painful Regret Over Not Competing on This Season’s Dancing with the Stars”

Ginger Zee may be dazzling America every morning with her weather forecasts on Good Morning America, but behind the camera, the beloved TV personality has been feeling a pang of longing — one that no storm map or studio spotlight can ease.

The Emmy-winning meteorologist stunned fans this week with an emotional confession: she is heartbroken not to be part of the brand-new season of Dancing with the Stars. Watching the glittering contestants strut across the ballroom has triggered a flood of memories for Ginger, who once lit up that same stage with her trademark energy and megawatt smile.

“When I see those sparkling gowns, the choreography, the cheers of the audience — I can’t help but remember my time there,” she admitted. “I miss it so much. Honestly, I wish I were out there again, competing, pushing myself, feeling that rush under the lights. There’s nothing like it.”

Zee famously competed in Season 22 back in 2016, partnered with fan-favorite pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy. Together, they captivated viewers week after week with show-stopping routines — from sultry Latin numbers that set the ballroom on fire, to elegant Waltzes that earned standing ovations. Against all odds, and just weeks after giving birth to her first child, Ginger powered through rehearsals, fought through back pain, and made it all the way to the finale, finishing as a proud runner-up.

For Ginger, that experience was more than a competition. It was transformative. She has often said that the show pushed her to discover her own resilience, reminding her that she was capable of far more than she ever imagined. “DWTS taught me that I could be strong, feminine, vulnerable, and powerful all at once. It was one of the most intense, magical chapters of my life,” she reflected.

Now, as the latest cast of Season 34 takes to the dance floor, Ginger can’t help but feel a sting of envy mixed with nostalgia. Her social media has been sprinkled with throwback clips from her own performances — a not-so-subtle hint at how much she craves a comeback. Fans, of course, have responded with a chorus of pleas for ABC to invite her back for an all-stars edition.

“Every time I see the confetti fall on the ballroom floor, I remember what it felt like to hear that audience roar. I miss the sweat, the nerves, the sheer adrenaline of knowing millions were watching,” she confessed. “Those moments stay with you forever.”

While Ginger continues to own her mornings on GMA, her heart clearly still beats to the rhythm of the ballroom. Whether she’ll ever get another shot at the Mirrorball Trophy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ginger Zee’s passion for dance — and her regret over sitting out this season — is something fans won’t forget anytime soon.