James Gandolfini will become the Mardi Gras celebrity monarch Bacchus for the 2007 carnival.

The Sopranos star filmed footage for All The King's Men in New Orleans, where Mardi Gras is held. Other celebrities to take on the title have included Michael Keaton, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston and William Shatner.

Krewe of Bacchus captain Pip Brennan explained: “He fell in love with our city and he wants to do a lot to help us get back on our feet."

The carnival lasts 10 days, with 31 parades taking place during that time.