‘So You Think You Can Dance’: Mary Murphy confirms exit

There is some sad confirmation coming in today for longtime fans of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and it suggests that the Hot Tamale Train is no longer going to be leaving the station. As rumored, Mary Murphy is not returning for the 12th season of the dance competition show, which has to be somewhat distressing news to those who have followed her career from the early days.

Mary herself released a statement today discussing the bad news, saying that it was ultimately the show that opted to not pick up her option, which unfortunately means that she was relieved of her duties:

 “I’m very grateful and proud to have been part of such an extraordinary television show … I’m sure there wasn’t a person watching that didn’t know I loved what I did.”

Personally, we still do not get this particular decision. We were never the world’s largest fan of Mary’s by any means, but at the same time, we did at least feel like she was a huge part of the show, and extremely knowledgeable of her craft. You are not going to find someone who cares more about the dancers or the choreographers than her.

In a joint statement, Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment still did their part to wish Mary well:

“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.”

We do get a sense that Fox is in the process of trying to re-brand the show, and attract new viewers with a more simplified street dancing vs. stage dancing twist for the next season. We see it mostly as a hail Mary, when hailing Mary Murphy and keeping her around would be a better move for pleasing longtime fans.

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