Season 19 of "Dancing with the Stars" has confirmed a new regular judge in the form of a familiar face.

Julianne Hough, who was a professional competing dancer on the show for five seasons, won the mirrorball trophy twice and has made guest appearances since as a judge, is confirmed as a regular judge for Season 19, Us Weekly reports.

"I'm so excited to be back with my 'Dancing with the Stars' family again on a regular basis," the 26-year-old dancer said in a statement. "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."

Hough will join Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli at the judging table.

"My role is to encourage and be supportive, and to also be candid and honest and try not to beat around the bush, to be too politically correct," she told People. "I want to give critiques so they can improve. I'm not there to be harsh or cause a controversy. I won't be mean or malicious. That's not who I am. That's not my role at all."

Being a regular judge means that Hough will be sharing her thoughts on her older brother, Derek Hough, 29, who is a competing dancer this season.

"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," the dancer-turned-judge's statement continued. "I am warming up the paddles and the sass, and I'm ready to have fun in this new role."

Hough insists, however, that she will not be bias.

"Derek has been known to be very good with his partnerships, but it's not about my brother, nor is it about [competing dancers] Cheryl [Burke] or Mark [Ballas]," Hough told People. "It's about the partnership and the celebrity who is dancing."

"Dancing with the Stars" executive producer Rob Wade, who left the ABC show after Season 11 but is returning for the upcoming season, is thrilled to have Hough back on the show.

"Her blend of ballroom dancing experience and unique judging ability make her the ideal choice for the show ... " he said in a release.

This season's celebrity contestants will be announced on the Sept. 4 episode of "Good Morning America." Season 19 premieres on ABC on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET.
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Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.

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