David Copperfield's Fountain of Youth

Magician David Copperfield claims he has discovered a real-life 'Fountain of Youth'. The illusionist, who previously dated German supermodel Claudia Schiffer, recently paid £36 million for four islands in the Exuma archipelago, in the Bahamas, and is adamant he has discovered an expanse of water there that has life-giving qualities. Among the water's 'powers' is the ability to bring near-dead creatures back to life. He said: "I've discovered a true phenomenon. You can take dead leaves, they come into contact with the water, they become full of life again. Bugs or insects that are near death come in contact with the water, they fly away. It's an amazing thing, very exciting." Copperfield, 49, has now hired a team of top biologists and geologists to come and test the water and the effects it could possibly have on humans. Until the extensive tests are carried out, the magician is refusing anyone else access to the water. Myths surrounding the 'Fountain of Youth' have been around for hundreds of years.

One myth dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon - who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World - heard about it from Caribbean natives.

The natives Leon and his conquistador crew met told them there was a spring with rejuvenating powers in the Bahamas, allegedly not far from Copperfield's recently purchased islands.