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Day 44 -Fans gather for David's exit
As thousands of spectators gathered this evening to see David Blaine emerge from his plexi-glass box, our reporter mingled with the crowds.
The excitement and anticipation were tangible as people of all ages and from all parts of the world thronged the area that has been the magician's home for the last six weeks. Periodically the crowd would chant the illusionist's name, or erupt spontaneously into applause.
Many held banners with words of encouragement and support for the illusionist. "DAVID U R ACE" written in stars-and-stripes letters, read one. Another read, "We're freezing out here! You?"
Harmony Korine, co-deviser of the stunt and Blaine's best friend, said that he was "extremely relieved" that David had reached the end. So, too, was Blaine, he said: the magician told Korine yesterday that he was almost at breaking point.
Meanwhile, Blaine's girlfriend Manon von Gerkan toured the crowd, hugging well wishers, many of whom have become familiar faces after visiting each day. As von Gerkan said goodbye for the last time, some thrust presents and cards into her hand to pass on to the illusionist. Others wept as they said goodbye and passed on their good wishes.
Seated in the disabled area, 27-year-old Chris O'Donovan from Berkshire was delighted to be witnessing the climax of Blaine's feat firsthand. "I think it's brilliant", he said, "44 days with no food, you know it's a big thing".
What does Blaine's achievement mean for him personally? "I think his willpower is pretty damned amazing. He's taken a lot from the crowds the he needn't have taken… it's given me inspiration".
I asked how he felt about the negative reactions that Blaine got early on in his feat. "I always thought he'd do it. I didn't think the crowd or any abuse that we gave him would put him off. But it was improper that the crowd was like that".
Leah and Natasha, 16-year-olds from Sydenham, south London were ecstatic to be witnessing the feat. "He is a genius" Leah said, "and everything he does is so good and we believe in everything. We've come here to support him… He's doing so well… we knew he could do it".
Another teenage girl wouldn't answer my questions verbally, refusing to communicate except by nodding or shaking her head. Eventually she opened the palm of her hand to reveal a drawing of an eye, a silent tribute to the legendary interview in which David Blaine would not speak to Eamon Holmes on GMTV. She also held a banner that read, "Congratulations on achieving your vision".
Natalia McNeil, a 16-year-old originally from Belarus but now living in Crystal Palace, said, "We've been behind him all the way. I've been here since 8am today… I got up at half-four in the morning".
Was she inspired by the feat, I wondered? "Of course, nothing's impossible. He's been amazing. I can't believe he's still waving today".
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