Fargas, who since his appearance in the cult 70s TV show has become a familiar face in rap videos by artists including Snoop Dog, is understood to have been talked into taking part in 'I'm a Celebrity' by friend and 'Starsky & Hutch' co-star David Soul.
He is replacing model Emma B, who has pulled out of the show at the 11th hour. She was due to appear alongside boyfriend Brian Harvey, the former singer with boy band East 17.
Harvey will still take part in the show, which is set in the jungle in Australia, but Emma B has opted out after worries that appearing in the show with Harvey would put too much strain on their relationship.
Other celebrities set to report for duty this coming Sunday for the beginning of the series include model Sophie Anderton, ex-royal butler Paul Burrell and former TV and Independent on Sunday editor Janet Street Porter.
Warren Lush, Ladbrokes spokesman, said: "We think Natalie has all the saintly qualities to follow in the footsteps of the first Queen of the Jungle,
Kerry McFadden."
"Joe Pasquale is second favourite at 4/1. We are inclined to believe that
he will entertain rather than annoy viewers."
"Paul Burrell is the rank outsider at 16/1. We can't see how he can win and will not be taking bets on him mentioning Diana in the first 24 hours as we think he'll probably mention her in the first 24 seconds of the show."
Ladbrokes odds for 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'
Natalie Appleton 3/1
Joe Pasquale 4/1
Brian Harvey 6/1
Nancy Sorrell 7/1
Janet Street Porter 8/1
Sophie Anderton 10/1
Fran Cosgrove 10/1
Antonio Fargas 14/1
Sheila Ferguson 14/1
Paul Burrell 16/1
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