Mary Murphy exits 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Longtime judge Mary Murphy, who has been a part of 'So You Think You Can Dance' since 2005, will not return for the upcoming 12th season of the dance competition.
The 56-year-old choreographer and ballroom dance champion confirmed the news in a statement, reported Ace Showbiz.
"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 what I did!!," she said.
She also thanked "the dancers and choreographers who inspired and enriched my life every week."

There's no word yet on who will replace Murphy and join permanent judge Nigel Lythgoe on the panel.
Murphy first joined the show in the first season in 2005 as guest judge and choreographer. She was upped to a permanent position on the judging panel in 2007 and continued to serve the role in 2008.
For season 7, she was replaced by Mia Michaels as permanent judge, but later returned in the position for season 8 until the latest season 11.