7:19pm UK, Tuesday October 21, 2003

Once David Blaine gets the all clear from doctors, he is expected to start work on a book about his 44 days suspended in a perspex box.

The American illusionist kept a detailed diary of his thoughts and observations during the stunt, near Tower Bridge.

Starved: David Blaine taken away on a stretcher

Publishers are now reportedly battling it out to buy the rights to his story, which could make him millions, according to the Daily Star.

The climax of the stunt was broadcast live on Sky One on Sunday night and raked in 2.53 million viewers - the channel's second biggest audience.

Literary bosses hope he also has the power to produce a Christmas bestseller.

A spokesman for Blaine said he had another sleepless night in hospital due to stomach cramps and general discomfort.

But doctors at the London Independent Hospital say he is in remarkably good shape all things considered.

They say he suffered no organ failure during his 44-day fast and his latest blood tests indicate "very satisfactory progress".

Blaine reportedly shed four stone in the box, where he survived on water.

He is expected to stay in hospital until the end of the week.