Mary Murphy returning to 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Two years after her departure, original So You Think You Can Dance judge Mary Murphy is returning to the Fox competition.

The veteran ballroom dancer and longtime fan favorite of the reality show, who left in early 2015, returns this summer to fill the slot vacated by her one-time replacement Paula Abdul.

"I am thrilled that Mary will return to So You Think You Can Dance and I'm sure the fans will be, as well," said executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe. "She brings an energy and enthusiasm that's contagious and I can't wait for her to join me on the judging panel. I've got a pair of earplugs ready, and another for our third resident judge, as well."

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Murphy joins Lythgoe, returning host Cat Deeley and a yet-to-be-named third judge. Her addition comes on the eve of auditions for the summer season. Casting gets underway Saturday, March 4, in New York — before auditions in Los Angeles later in the month.

As for Abdul, she's not suffering any lack of projects since departing So You Think You Can Dance. The famed choreographer and American Idol judge recently booked a NBC comedy pilot.