Tearful Noel Edmonds reveals 'very dark times' that left him 'suicidal' in new show

Noel Edmonds opens up about some 'very dark times' in his new series, Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure. The iconic presenter, 76, famed for Noel's House Party and Deal Or No Deal, is one of the most recognisable presenters in the country. However, in his new series on ITV in which he navigates life in New Zealand, with wife, Liz, the star admits he has, at times, felt suicidal.

During last week's show, narrator, Rob Brydon, explained Noel's production company unexpectedly went bankrupt, hugely affecting the star's mental health in 2005. Blaming "some corrupt bankers" for the ordeal, Noel recalls: "My Unique group of companies was deliberately collapsed by some corrupt bankers. And I'm safe in saying that because my bank manager went to prison, along with four others, for 50 years."

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He continues: "When the companies went into administration in 2006, I thought I was a crap businessman. I thought it was my fault. 70 people lost their jobs."

After 'winning his battle to get his losses back', dad-of-four, Noel, asked the Lord of the Rings studio to build him a huge statue of a knight, kneeling down, praying for his sprawling garden in New Zealand.

Appearing emotional, before revealing he had felt suicidal, the star said of the statue he calls 'The Guardian': "He's praying before he gets up and defeats the dark force, the enemy."

Noel continued: "I'll tell you, when you go to that dark space… I used to, like many people, kind of look down my nose and think, why would anybody want to take their own life? Why would they want to do that?

"I'll tell you, if you've ever been in that dark space, you'll never be critical, because it is a space where there is no reason."

Following the emotional episode, many viewers took to social media, praising the presenter, who they claimed has "been to hell and back".

One posted on X: "Say what you like about him but he's been to hell and back and is still standing and as someone who grew up watching him on Swap Shop and TOTP etc I'm a fan and will be watching next week."

Meanwhile, another said: "Don't care what you say, I love Noel Edmonds!"

Noel previously opened up about attempting to take his own life in 2005. Speaking to the Mail in 2017, he said: "I've thought a lot about that dark place I got to. Thankfully, it is beyond the comprehension of most people.

"Yes, people suffer from depression. But it is not quite the same as the space you go into when all reason goes, when rationality and logic and hope vanish.

"Life without hope is no life. There is no logic. How illogical, when you adore your children and family, to do that."

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

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