Mel B
Jimmy Gulzar and Mel B were married from 1998-2000. Reuters

The ex-husband of former Spice Girl Mel B has claimed that their short marriage was so toxic that he contemplated committing suicide.

Jimmy Gulzar, who was married to the star from 1998 to 2000, said that their union was blighted with problems from the start but it was not until their custody battle for their daughter Phoenix that he reached breaking point.

Speaking to the Sun newspaper, the 39-year-old said that their constant blazing rows became unbearable and he came close to taking his life.

"There's been many a time when I thought, 'Nope, this is it, I'm giving up'," he said.

"I am gonna take this bunch of pills and goodbye people, because this is too heavy'."

The Dutch-born backup dancer, who met Mel B during the Spice World tour in 1998, said he cannot wait for karma to hit his former love.

He said: "I always think about Goliath facing David, that story is pretty much how I have always felt. I am still that one rock that will get Goliath down."

In 2011, their family feud escalated further when Phoenix, then just 12-years-old, filed a battery report against her father.

According to the complaint obtained by celebrity news site RadarOnline, Gulzar allegedly refused to let her leave his house after a designated visit.

"Victim is suspect's daughter. Susp has visitation rights w/daughter. When daughter attempted to leave susp's house to return to mother's home, susp grabbed vict's arm refusing to let her leave," legal documents read.

In 2007, Mel B married long-term friend and film producer Stephen Belafonte. As well as Phoenix she also has daughter Angel from her brief relationship with Eddie Murphy and Madison with Belafonte.

Gulzar's suicide claims come as Mel B starts her new job as a judge on the latest series of the X Factor, alongside Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and returning judge Cheryl Cole.

"I've always thought honesty is the best policy when being a judge and that's what I'm going to bring more of this year," she recently said.

"Whether it's spotting an incredible singer, giving someone a reality check or debating with Simon over who's got it wrong.

She added: "Now I can't wait to get started and find some amazing talent."