From the dancing floor to the judge's table - could professional dancer Julianne Hough be planning a major career change?
The former "Dancing with the Stars" pro dancer and two-time "DWTS" champion is reportedly close to signing a deal with ABC to return to the dancing completion as a fourth judge alongside season regular judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli - all who are expected to return next season.
TMZ reported that Hough's contract is still in negotiations and that the deal is expected to be sealed before season 19 of "DWTS" premieres in September. However, sources close to the pro dancer told E! News that Hough has not signed a contract but was offered a position on the show.
"We want all those three to come back," "Dancing With the Stars" showrunner Rob Wade exclusively told E! Online. "I think the guest judges worked really well last season. I think there's arguments for adding to the panel and stuff, but certainly not subtracting. I really like the three of them ... getting the chemistry of a panel right is extremely difficult. And when you have three people like that, who are not only on-camera so great, but off-camera so great, you don't really want to mess with it."
Hough was a guest judge on the show for season 17 and 18. The "Footloose" and "Rock of Ages" actress has not competed on the show since season eight in 2009, but instead went on to pursue a career in singing and acting.
It's also been rumored that Maksim Chmerkovskiy was eyeing a spot at the judging table. He announced this summer that he would not be returning to the show as a professional dancer, but would be open to a new "position" with the show.
Also not returning for next season are Sharna Burgess, Henry Byalikov, Tristan MacManus, and Tyne Stecklein.
"Dancing With the Stars" begins Sept. 15 on ABC.
Do you think Hough would be a good addition to the judges' panel?
