And finally… deal or no deal

Mr Edmonds’ former business Unique is one of those caught up in the scam that took place at HBOS’s division in Reading from 2003-07.

Six bankers siphoned as much as £245 million from small and struggling businesses during the five-year scam.

Bank staff were bribed with sex parties, luxury holidays, expensive watches and cash to refer HBOS clients to Quayside Corporate Services, which then asset-stripped the troubled businesses.

Solicitor Jonathan Coad of Keystone Law has written to Lloyds chief executive António Horta-Osório demanding £73 million in damages.

The letter claims Mr Edmonds faced “losses of tens of millions of pounds, along with his suffering deep distress and public humiliation”.

Mr Edmonds said: “I confirm my lawyers have sent a detailed claim letter seeking compensation from Lloyds for the losses that I suffered as a result of fraud committed against me by one of its managers.

“I am now trusting that Mr Horta-Osorio ensures I am ‘fairly, swiftly and appropriately’ compensated.”