Mary Murphy to Return to 'So You Think You Can Dance'; Mia Michaels to Depart

After one season away from the hit Fox television show "So You Think You Can Dance", choreographer and television personality Mary Murphy will be returning to judge for the eighth season. She joins Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman; Mia Michaels, who had replaced Murphy for the show's seventh season, is expected to take part in recurring guest spots, but will no longer be a permanent judge.

Michaels has been involved with "So You Think You Can Dance" since its inception in 2005, earning multiple Emmy awards for dances. Nigel Lythgoe has produced many television shows in the UK and the US, including "Pop Idol" and "American Idol", although he started his career as a choreographer. Adam Shankman, also a noted choreographer, directed and choreographed the film adaptation of Hairspray. In addition to "So You Think You Can Dance", Mary Murphy participated in the dance show Burn the Floor on Broadway, later joining the national tour.

"I am thrilled and already dancing in my seat to be back as a permanent judge this season, which I'm sure will be the best ever," she said. The sentiment was echoed by fellow judge and the show's producer, Nigel Lythgoe, who stated that "I am delighted to have Mary back on the show," Nigel said in a statement. "Her expertise in dance, coupled with her warmth, compassion and humor, make her and excellent judge and fun to work with," reports Access Hollywood.