US Book Launch: Day 3

Monday 6 August
Manhattan NYC

An early start today, thanks to a brief appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly. Serial record holder Suresh Joachim began his attempt at the solo karaoke marathon, and to fit the end of the 26-hour non-stop attempt into tomorrow's show, we had to start early, pre-recording the kickoff. I gave Suresh his 3-2-1 countdown and listened, in agony - it has to be said - as the determined record smasher crooned his way through some of the worst karaoke classics ever. I guess the fun of karaoke is listening to someone who can't sing wail their way through some of the cheesiest songs ever, but at 8 am? And Suresh - we love you, mate, but you can't sing! You can run 257.88 km (160.24 miles) in a day on treadmill, or stand on one foot for 76 hr 40 mins, but singing ain't your game...

One of the fun things about these shows, if you can survive the early starts, is the weird feeling that you're on the same show as other really famous people. Regis wasn't around, so Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (and record holder for the Highest Annual Earnings for a TV Stylist!) took his place alongside the lovely Kelly. What's more, Steve Buscemi of Reservoir Dogs fame popped in, as did fellow actor Chris Tucker. There's nothing quite like acting cool in the green room when some of your favourite actors are sharing the croissants!

(My ultimate green-room moment of the past year had to be chewing the fat with Beyonce in Michael Jackson's private green room while waiting as the superstar had his hair done at the World Music Awards last year! Sorry, I love just dropping this into conversation!)

Next was a photoshoot in Times Square with Neil. Standing at 232.5 cm (7 ft 7.56 in), Neil is unmissable, and we emerged from our black stretch limo into one of the busiest junctions in the world, we were swamped by curious onlookers all keen to tell Neil that he was tall. "Wow, you're tall!" they'd exclaim. "What's the weather like up there?", etc. Despite the constant pestering - and his hangover! - Neil coped well and posed with me for some cool shots for the New York Daily Post.