Mary Murphy is out at So You Think You Can Dance, following more than a month’s speculation that Fox was looking for new blood to join Nigel Lythgoe on the competition’s panel.
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The choreographer confirmed her exit on Monday afternoon in a statement noting that her option was not renewed. “I’m saddened of course to be released from my contract,” she said. “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.”
Murphy’s exit comes as the summer series’ renewals seem less certain every year. The aging competition, which hails from 19 Entertainment — a division of Core Media Group and Dick Clark Productions, was only picked up for its 12th run this past November after a cycle of softer ratings.
“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,” added Murphy. “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.”
So You Think You Can Dance remains a critical darling. This past year it brought Emmy nominations for best reality competition and host Cat Deeley.
