Noel: I tried to kill myself when bank gang ruined my business

NOEL Edmonds tried to commit suicide after falling victim to bankers who wrecked his firm, the TV star revealed yesterday.

The Deal Or No Deal presenter said he had been taken ‘to the brink of emotional annihilation’ by corrupt HBOS staff who helped destroy his business Unique Group.

The gang, who were jailed earlier this year, deliberately bankrupted companies to strip their assets then spent the cash on prostitutes and holidays.

Edmonds, 68, 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 TV star, whose business went into receivership in 2007, is suing HBOS owner Lloyds for £73million over the collapse of his company.

Lloyds has said its £100million programme to compensate the gang’s victims is ‘on track’. A spokesman said the safety of the bank’s customers was ‘of paramount importance’.