James Gandolfini Likes Fat Tony Soprano  3/2/06

James Gandolfini feels sure fans of mob drama The Sopranos will love his chubby new look - because he looks like a regular guy.

The actor bulked up to play an obese character in new film All the King's Men during The Sopranos' lengthy hiatus and he decided to keep some of his extra weight for the show.

He says, "I think Tony being plump is funny, and it appeals to the regular guy out there.

"Everybody doesn't have the ability to go to the gym for an hour a day - they've got plenty of other s**t they've got to deal with."

Fans of the hit drama will be able to see Gandolfini's heft when the show begins its sixth and final season in America next week (12MAR06).