'The Mole' Host Gives an Insider Scoop on the Fifth Season Contenders

BuddyTV - Seattle, WA, USA - Jon Kelley has recently replaced the original Mole host Anderson Cooper for the show's fifth installment, which began its run on June 2. Kelley, who is known for his job as a weekend anchor on Extra, began his work in the series in 2001 and has now spanned over 15 years in the broadcast industry. Aside from appearing on television and hosting radio shows, he also co-wrote the book Breaking Into Broadcasting. Now that he's the newest face to become the host of ABC's The Mole, Jon Kelley dishes out on the new batch of contenders to compete in the grueling reality series.

Let's start with Marcie Ciscel, the single mother of three who was the first to leave the Mole. Kelley says of her, "She hesitated even going on this because she didn't want to leave her family. Her family was like, 'Look, this is your chance to go out in the world. Do it and do it for us.' So she really wanted bad to do this, experience the world and make her family proud. She was just sweet, genuine -- one of those people you can really, really get to like."

Marcie isn't the only likeable and passionate person in the group. In fact, season 5 also has Mark, a 42-year-old high school history teacher who is literally fueled by Coke and coffee.

"He's a coach and an athlete and a leader -- and that comes through every pore in his body. Just every day he'd be Dr. Intensity," Kelley said. "He's one of those guys who could be endearing yet he can also be overbearing. I think he used that to his advantage. He was funny."