Former competitor Julianne Hough will return to the "Dancing with the Stars" this coming season. Julianne Hough has confirmed that she has signed onto the dance competition show.

The news came on Thursday when Hough, 26, announced her decision to return to the show, according to E! Online. However, she will not dancing her way through the show; she will be a judge alongside Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba starting on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

"I'm so excited to be back with my 'Dancing with the Stars' family again on a regular basis. I've always aspired to be an all-around entertainer, whether I'm acting, dancing or singing, and I'm thrilled for this opportunity that will allow me to continue all of those pursuits," she said in a statement. "Derek and I just finished our Move Live on Tour, which reminded me how much I miss the interaction with the dance fans that have been so supportive of me in my career. I am warming up the paddles and the sass, and I'm ready to have fun in this new role."

According to Us Weekly, rumors had been circulating about Hough returning for the show's 19th season. An inside source had told the publication that the two parties were "in talks."

The last time Hough was on the show was in 2009 during the show's eighth season. She had also been a guest judge on the show during the season 17 and 18. The show's producers were happy for her return.

"We are delighted to welcome Julianne back to the 'DWTS' family," executive producer Rob Wade said in a statement, reports E! Online. "Her blend of ballroom dancing experience and unique judging ability make her the ideal choice for the show, and we are very excited to have her, Carrie Ann, Bruno and Len on board."

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