Daily Star

TELLY NOEL IN SUICIDE BID SHOCK

Star on brink after bank scam

- By OLIVER PRITCHARD

NOEL Edmonds tried to kill himself after corrupt bankers destroyed his business.

The Deal Or No Deal star, 68, told how he was taken “to the brink of emotional annihilati­on”.

A group of corrupt HBOS financiers helped destroy his former business Unique Group.

Noel, right, said: “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 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 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.” The financiers were jailed this year for carrying out a £245million loans scam. They squandered profits on prostitute­s and luxury holidays. Lloyds, which rescued HBOS during the financial crisis, said: “Customers’ safety is of paramount importance to us. “We have a clear policy that if a customer says that they are considerin­g taking their own life that we must take the statement seriously and take action to protect them.” ¬

If you need someone to talk to call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

 ??  ?? TASTY: Lara adds the chocolate to make Ed’s shirt
TASTY: Lara adds the chocolate to make Ed’s shirt
 ??  ?? ORDEAL: Edmonds
ORDEAL: Edmonds

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