FOX has made it official. Mary Murphy will not return as a judge to So You Think You Can Dance when it returns this summer.
Former American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, had been in talks to replace her on SYTYCD’s upcoming 12th season, according to Deadline.
Mary released an official statement today regarding her departure from the show:
I’m saddened of course to be released from my contract. I’m very grateful and proud to have been part of such an extraordinary television show, So You Think You Can Dance, for 11 seasons. I’m sure there wasn’t a person watching that didn’t know I loved with I did!!
Thank you to the dancers and choreographers who inspired and enriched my life every week; to the crew and producers, especially James Breen, Jeff Thacker and Nigel Lythgoe., I thank you for believing in me. And thank you to my fans, as you always put a smile on my face when I encountered you. It has been a great pleasure and honor to be part of the dance wave that went global. Conductor of the Hot Tamale Train, Mary Murphy.
FOX and show producers, dick clark productions and 19 Entertainment said in a joint statement:
Mary has been a huge part of So You Think You Can Dance, from mentoring the dancers as a choreographer to inspiring fans as a judge. She will always be part of our Dance family, and we wish her continued success.
Mary, a choreographer and former champion ballroom dancer, started as a guest judge in the first two seasons, 2005-06 before being named a permanent judge. She took a break in Season 7, but had been a regular on the judging panel ever since.
FOX day at the Television Critics Association tour is Saturday. There may be an announcement then regarding who will take Mary’s place.
