THE MOLE RETURNS -- New Host and Celebrity Edition!

[KaraKW]

Heard on my radio station's news report this AM that the new host will be AHMAD RASHAD.

Here's an article I found on the internet...
THE MOLE NEWS

Anderson Flies the Coop on "The Mole," "Celeb Mole" begins to confirm castmembers - Reported by: AyaK on 10-08-2002

Variety reports that Anderson Cooper, CNN newsman-anchor and also host of both series of "The Mole", has been forced to end his ties with the reality TV series under pressure from his new bosses at CNN. According to Variety, Cooper, arguably one of the two best hosts in reality TV along with Survivor's Jeff Probst, was told that, if he chose to return to "The Mole" 3 and 4, his continuing high-profile role on CNN might be jeopardized. At the time Cooper left ABC News to join CNN, "The Mole" seemed to be dead, but the show's surprisingly-successful revival over the summer brought the conflict back to life.

CNN's reluctance to permit Cooper to take the leave time necessary for filming may relate to its continuing ratings slide. Since hiring morning anchorwoman Paula Zahn away from its "upstart rival" Fox News, CNN has seen Fox News blow past it in the ratings, and apparently CNN (a unit of AOL Time Warner) wasn't willing to allow one of its few bright spots -- Cooper -- help another struggling competitor (Disney, which airs "The Mole" on ABC).

Variety also reports that three "celebrities" have been confirmed for the upcoming "Mole 3: Celebrity Mole." Actor Stephen Baldwin (brother of radical-leftist actor Alec), Victoria's Secret model Frederique and reality TV fan Kathy Griffin (who once hosted an MTV talk show devoted to reality TV) plan to take part in the game, which will be filmed in Hawaii.Stone Stanley Productions, the company behind "The Mole," has not floated any names of potential Anderson replacements yet. Here's hoping they find someone who can bring the same mix of seriousness and sarcasm to the future series. Adios, Anderson, we'll miss you.

Hawaii sounds cool, but I sure will miss Anderson... and I'm not sure what I think about a "celebrity edition"... So, what do you all think?

Kara

 

[sharbear]

I have to say I think that Anderson Cooper is great. When my kids were babies he was on ABC News Overnight. When I was feeding the babies I would watch Anderson, what a funny guy. I've been a fan ever since. I love it when he subs for Connie Chung (who I can't stand). I'll miss him on the Mole, in fact I probably won't watch the Mole.

Sharbear

 

[dizneenut]

I'm glad to see The Mole returning, but I'll miss Anderson. I thought he was a great host.
Not sure about a celebrity edition....should be interesting.

 

[Snoozan]

I heard Ahmad Rashad was picked to be the new host of "The Mole".

 

[lilboo]

NO ANDERSON!? Why does CNN have to be so TIGHT?

 

[KaraKW]

I, too, will miss Anderson. He was a big part of what made the show so good. I'm curious to see how they pull this show off with celebrities...

 

[aahmom1]

I'll miss Anderson.

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

I'll miss Anderson as well... he was a really good host. At least they're bringing the Mole back though as I had previously heard otherwise. Any ideas when this new celebrity edition will air?

 

[epcotfan]

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....I ONLY want Anderson as the host. It won't be the same without him! His wit and sarcasm make for a great show. I don't think I'll watch if he isn't hosting. I think I'll write to ABC and CNN regarding this.

 

[B3LM]

That's a bummer about Anderson, but I'm glad to hear that the show will continue!

 

[supercarrie]

I will miss Anderson a lot, but luckily I can stand Ahmad Rashad...there are worse people who could have been chosen to host!

 

[WDW2002]

I am not sure the show will be the same w/o Anderson...but I am glad to see that it will return, but WHY a celebrety version?? UGH!! I watch reality TV to get away from the celberties not to watch them.