SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Mary Murphy to Exit

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is losing one of its most familiar faces: Mary Murphy will not be returning for the series’ upcoming 12th season.

Murphy — who alongside Nigel Lythgoe was one of the two regular judges on the series — released the following statement: “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!!

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.

The Conductor of the Hot Tamale Train,

Mary Murphy”

Fox released its own statement about Murphy’s exit: “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.”

A source says there’s no word on a potential replacement for Murphy.

Personally, I’m bummed to lose Murphy — and her undeniable passion for the show and its dancers — but what do you think?

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