WORLD War Two’s greatest double agent was almost exposed by his “neurotic and tiresome” wife, secret files reveal.

Juan Pujol Garcia — codenamed Agent Garbo — tricked the Germans into thinking he was one of them while actually working for MI5.

Juan Pujol Garcia is regarded as World War Two’s greatest double agent
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Juan Pujol Garcia is regarded as World War Two’s greatest double agentCredit: PA:Press Association
The Spanish national’s web of deception was key to D-Day’s success and the downfall of the Nazi regime.

But Security Service documents made public for the first time show how leading a double life almost destroyed his marriage — and led to his downfall.

The papers released to the National Archives also shed light on the extraordinary ruse he came up with to keep his “attractive” young wife Araceli onside.

Araceli grew homesick and was increasingly angered by the strict control Pujol placed her under
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Araceli grew homesick and was increasingly angered by the strict control Pujol placed her underCredit: PA:Press Association
To carry out his intrigues Pujol had moved with Araceli and their two children to Harrow in North West London in 1942.

Despite being an accomplice in his spy work the pretty brunette grew homesick and was increasingly angered by the strict control Pujol placed her under.

Fears that fellow Spaniards in London would recognise her led him to confine Araceli at home with the kids.

Matters came to a head in June 1943 — a year before D-Day — after the couple had an explosive quarrel.

Araceli threatened to go to the Spanish embassy and reveal all unless she was allowed to travel home to see her mum.

She screamed at Pujol’s alarmed MI5 handler Tomas (CORR) Harris: “I don’t want to live five minutes longer with my husband.

“Even if they kill me I am going to the Spanish embassy.”

To stop Araceli carrying out her threats and bring her back into the fold Pujol devised an elaborate charade.