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Noel Edmonds reveals attempt to take his own life

The Deal or No Deal host was in a "dark place" after falling victim to financial fraud

Noel Edmonds has revealed that he once tried to take his own life after bankers stole his fortune.

The 68-year-old said he had “overwhelming mental pain” after a group of employees at HBOS bank helped to destroy Noel’s business, Unique Group.

The Deal or No Deal star is now looking to receive £73m in compensation after going through the terrible ordeal or losing everything.

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Noel has thanked the emergency services for saving his life and said that he spent some time in rehab to get himself back to health.

The TV star said: “Until these criminals took me to the brink of emotional annihilation, I had always felt those who opt out by taking their own lives were selfish and cowardly.

“But having been cast into that bottomless dark space devoid of logic and reason, I have a much deeper understanding of life without hope.

“I seek no sympathy and feel no shame in admitting that on the evening of January 18, 2005, I attempted to end the overwhelming mental pain which had consumed my whole being.

“The fact that I did not become another suicide statistic is solely due to the swift response of a Devon ambulance crew and the compassionate support of the Priory [rehab] in Bristol.”

Noel, who is married to Elizabeth Davies, also added that he wants to be there for others who are going through dark times in their lives.

He is now involved with other charities, and said: “Subsequently, I have donated generously and gratefully to the Samaritans.

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“I use my experience to comfort and support others for whom life has no hope. Please be kind, don’t be judgemental. Life without hope is no life.”

The corrupt financiers were eventually caught after being involved in a £245million loans scam with destroyed many businesses.

Lloyds bank, who own HBOS, said in April that they would be compensating those who has lost money to the fraudsters.

But Noel was the one who repeatedly urged Lloyds to speed up the process, which is now helping others.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor