Julianne Hough is returning to “Dancing with the Stars” — but as a judge.
The 26-year-old former professional dancer is close to signing a deal that will make her the fourth judge on the show, TMZ reports.
Hough left the dance competition in 2009 to pursue an acting career and went on to star in films including “Burlesque,” “Footloose,” “Rock of Ages” and “Safe Haven.”
She returned in April as a guest judge for one episode. But her appearance wasn’t without controversy — she criticized Maksim Chmerkovskiy for his performance with Danica McKellar, which bothered many.
The show’s latest winning coach, Chmerkovskiy, reportedly wanted the judging position as well. He announced he was quitting the show in July.
Requests for comment from Hough’s rep were not immediately returned.