Robert Pattinson has taken a step back into the spotlight for the first time since he found out his girlfriend Kristen Stewart had an affair.

The 26-year-old actor has been out of sight ever since the revelations in the tabloid press but he couldn't lay low forever - he has a film to promote in the US.

Pattinson was in New York for a round of media appearances, including a chat with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.

When Pattinson took the stage, Stewart asked: "What have you been up to?" and handed him ice cream. "We're just a couple o' gals talkin'... Tell me everything."

Pattinson seemed uncomfortable but good-natured, saying: "My biggest problem in life is I'm cheap and I didn't hire a publicist."

The host then brought the conversation back to ice cream and break-ups: "The last time I had a bad break-up, Ben and Jerry got me through some of the tougher times. So I thought you and I could talk about it. `Boy, you are better off. Kick her to the curb. Whatever!" he said as Pattinson laughed.