Bookmakers believe Blaine stunt could be a trick

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A bookmaker's chain is refusing to take bets on David Blaine's attempt to survive 44 days in a suspended box without food.

Ladbrokes says it is not convinced the illusionist really would be surviving without food.

The statement follows the magician being rejected by the Guinness Book of Records for his forthcoming feat on the grounds of danger to health.

A Ladbrokes spokesman said: "In our eyes Blaine is odds-on to complete his feat but we need convincing that the stunt is a true test of endurance.

"For example, how pure is the water he is drinking? A bookie won't get involved unless we are convinced that there is a wholly independent steward or referee.

"We would love to take bets on Blaine but bookies won't mess with an illusionist otherwise by magic we will find ourselves shelling out thousands of pounds."

However, other bookmakers are taking bets on Blaine lasting the 44 days.

William Hill was offering odds of 2/9 that he will successfully complete the challenge, and 3/1 that he will come out early.

"This is the first time we've ever bet on a stunt of this nature, but it has really captured the public imagination and we decided to give people the opportunity to stake a bet on the outcome," said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.