Noel Edmonds has revealed that he was in a very dark place after falling victim to financial fraud and losing millions.
The TV presenter is seeking £73m (€83m) in compensation from Lloyds Banking Group for what he claims was the destruction of his business empire together with public humiliation and damage to his reputation caused by the fraudulent activities of the bank’s HBOS Reading arm.
Earlier this year a number of HBOS financiers were jailed for carrying out a £245m (€280m) loans scam that destroyed several businesses, including Edmonds', before spending the money on prostitutes and luxury holidays.
The Deal Or No Deal star has revealed that falling victim to fraud brought him "to the brink of emotional annihilation".
"...Having been cast into that bottomless dark space devoid of logic and reason, I have a much deeper understanding of life without hope," he said.
"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 in Bristol."
If you were affected by issues raised in this story, please visit samaritans.org, contact the 24-hour helpline on 116123 or email: jo@samaritans.org.
