Blaine given 24-hour care

The magician lost four stone

David Blaine has been given food for the first time in 44 days on Sunday night, following his self-imposed fast.

The magician has 24-hour nursing care and his recovery is now at a "critical phase", his spokesman said.

Doctors at the private London hospital have started him on a nutritional drink packed with high levels of vitamins.

The illusionist is allowed only small quantities at a time as normal eating habits could kill him.

His exit from his Perspex box was watched by more than 2.5 million viewers on Sky One and thousands gathered on the banks of the Thames to see the stunt end.

It is currently impossible to predict how long Mr Blaine will be required to remain in hospital David Blaine spokesman

Blaine had a sleepless first night out of the box, suffering stomach cramps.

Initial blood tests were "satisfactory" but doctors continue to monitor his condition.

His weight is 11 stone - nearly four stone lighter than the day he entered the box.

A spokesman for Blaine said: "Continuous checks are being made on how his body is accepting and coping with this nutritional therapy in order to prevent complications arising.

"It is currently impossible to predict how long Mr Blaine will be required to remain in hospital, or to determine any long-term effect, though Mr Blaine is being continually monitored."

Sky's peak audience of more than 2.5 million viewers gave Sky One some of its highest ever ratings.

It was the channel's second highest peak audience after an episode of Friends in 2000.