On Monday, the magician immersed himself in a human-sized goldfish bowl, an 8ft (2.4m) sphere filled with water where he'll live for a week.

He will use oxygen and feeding tubes to sustain him during the stunt.

As a dramatic finale to this soggy scenario, Blaine will attempt to break the world record by holding his breath for nine minutes whilst trying to escape from heavy chains. This Houdini-inspired stunt will be broadcast live on television.

"As well as holding my breath for nine minutes, hopefully, I will have to escape from all these chains. And if not, I will drown and we'll see something pretty insane," Blaine said with a smile.

Blaine trained with professional freedivers, who specialise in reaching great depths with a single breath.

Although the water temperature will be managed to make sure his body temperature remains stable at 36C, there are still major risks including hypothermia, blackouts and brain damage.

Source: BBC News