Blaine walks free from box

Blaine told the crowds they had been "wonderful"

Illusionist David Blaine walked free from his Perspex box in London on Sunday, after completing his 44-day starvation stunt.

Crowds packed the area near London's Tower Bridge to see the 30-year-old American emerge at 2200 BST, clearly weakened by his apparent endurance test.

"This has been one of the most important experiences in my life," he said, before breaking down into sobs during a live programme on Sky One.

After his release, Blaine - who had nothing but water during his stunt - was put on a stretcher by paramedics and taken to a private hospital.

Blaine's box was tipped on its side to allow the illusionist to walk out.

David Blaine emerges after 44 days

In pictures

To cries of "take your time" from his aides, Blaine took the microphone and told how his experience had been an education.

"I have learned more in that box than I have in years," he said.

About 10,000 people who looked on were mostly good humoured and full of words of support for the illusionist.

Christine Hunt, 44, who travelled from Doncaster, Yorkshire, said: "We've already been down once to see him and I think it's brilliant, what he's doing."

HAVE YOUR SAY He is doing it to boost his ego, his popularity, and his bank balance - pure selfishness. Helen, UK Send us your comments

A nutritional expert has warned that Blaine risks death if extreme care is not taken when he begins eating again.

Professor Marinof Elia, from the University of Southampton, said the illusionist could be at risk from serious problems, including a ruptured stomach and sudden death.

About 10,000 people packed the area to watch Blaine's exit

The magician described suffering severe heart palpitations, blurred vision and breathing difficulties as his fast neared its end.

Blaine went straight to a clinic where a team of doctors will assess whether he has done lasting damage to his heart or other organs.

"He could be in hospital for a few days or more than a week," said a spokesman.

His team has dismissed suggestions that Blaine has kept himself alive by having dissolved nutrients such as glucose added to his water supply, saying that the water was pure.

It is thought that it could take as long as six months for Blaine to recover his muscle strength and return to his normal fitness.

Now sporting a straggly beard and long hair, Blaine spent much of the weekend huddled up in his sleeping bag against the cold.

Sky One, which has been filming Blaine's progress, said an estimated 250,000 people visited the site by the end of the stunt.

Blaine had views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames

Since the magician entered the Perspex box he has had to contend with a campaign of "Blaine-baiting" with passers-by taunting him.

Golf balls have been driven at him, eggs thrown, paint bombs shot at his box and drums banged to keep him awake at night.

Earlier this week Blaine denied it was all a trick in an interview with US news channel CNN.

"No, I am really here doing what I said I was going to do," he said.

"I have never decided to do anything for this length of time."