And the Celebrity Mole Host is...

[Guest starvenger]

HOLLYWOOD -- Former NBC hoops commentator Ahmad Rashad has signed on as host of ABC's upcoming celeb edition of THE MOLE.

 

Rashad replaces vet MOLE front man Anderson Cooper, who's leaving the Stone Stanley Entertainment-produced reality skein in order to focus on his gig as an anchor-reporter for CNN (DAILY VARIETY, Oct. 7).

 

ABC is also developing another civilian-focused MOLE for next summer, but Rashad has not yet been locked in to host that skein.

 

"Ahmad is an experienced and respected sportscaster whose strong presence is a perfect fit for the celebrity version of THE MOLE," said MOLE exec producer Scott Stone.

 

In addition to his NBA work for NBC, Rashad had a brief stint as host of the syndie strip REAL TV. Buena Vista is also in the early stages of development for a daytime talker to be hosted by Rashad (DAILY VARIETY, Aug. 5).

 

Celebs already confirmed for the celeb MOLE include Kathy Griffin and Stephen Baldwin. Skein is expected to tape in Hawaii as early as next month for broadcast later this season. (As reported by VARIETY)

 

I really don't know how to react to this. I suppose he'll be fine for a celebrity Mole, but I see him being more Julie Chen than Anderson Cooper...