Julianne Hough to Become Fourth Judge for New Season of DANCING WITH THE STARS?

According to Page Six of today's New York Post, former DANCING WITH THE STARS pro dancer Julianne Hough will be returning to the ABC dance competition as a fourth judge on the panel.

Hough was last seen as a dancer on the series in 2009 before she traded in her dance shoes for the bright lights of Hollywood. Since that time she has starred in such films as "Burlesque," "Footloose," "Rock of Ages" and "Safe Haven."

Last season, she served as a guest judge for one episode of the show, and found herself embroiled in a war or words with dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy of whom she claimed his performance seemed as if he was "phoning it in." According to the report, Chmerkovskiy himself was hoping to be offered the judge's gig on the show. Last month it was announced that he would not return for Season 19.

Hough's rep declined requests for a comment on the report.

About Season 19:

This season's crop of professional dancers includes ballroom favorites, fresh new faces, and an international champion that will be sure to bring the heat to the dance floor. The twelve dancers will be paired with a brand new cast of celebrities, which will be announced live on "Good Morning America" on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 (7:00-9:00 a.m., ET).

Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning host Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos") and Erin Andrews(sports host & "Dancing with the Stars" Season 10 finalist), "Dancing with the Stars" is the hit series in which celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which are judged by renowned ballroom judge Len Goodmanand dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Photo courtesy of ABC