Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill, 41, left just £15,000 after taking his own life following 'sex assault' arrest

By JON BRADY, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER and ANDY CRICK Published: 11:39, 28 April 2026 | Updated: 11:52, 28 April 2026 Emmerdale actor Frazer Hammill left just over £15,000 when he took his own life following his arrest on suspicion of sexual assault. Legal documents seen by the Daily Mail show the soap actor, who also appeared in Happy Valley and Hollywood blockbuster Justice League, died without leaving a will. Mr Hamill, described as 'talented and kind-hearted' by co-stars, was found dead at home on December 30 last year, a day after he had been questioned by Lancashire Police over the alleged attack. Letters of administration granted to his 71-year-old mother Eleanor Hammill show his estate had a gross worth of £33,571.  After deductions were made - unspecified, but traditionally to cover funeral expenses and to pay off any debts - Mr Hammill's estate was worth £15,571. The grant of administration for the late Doncaster actor's estate was made on April 16. Mr Hammill had been an established star of the stage in his native Yorkshire, and had amassed some television and film credits in the years before his death. The 41-year-old was arrested by police after a woman in her 40s claimed he had sexually assaulted her. Emmerdale actor Frazer Hammill (pictured in a stage performance of Bouncers) left £15,000 in his estate, documents show The actor also appeared in an episode of Happy Valley as a detective constable (pictured right) Mr Hammill also appeared in a Sainsbury's advertising campaign shortly before his death last December Police received a report of the incident on December 17, three days after she alleged she had been attacked.  He was arrested by South Yorkshire Police officers on behalf of Lancashire Police on December 29, interviewed, and bailed the same day. Custody officers told the opening of an inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court that he appeared to be 'in good spirits' as he left a police station following his arrest.  There had been no immediate concerns over his mental wellbeing or his safety, the inquest held on April 21 heard. However, Mr Hammill later left a note on his neighbour's door with the keys to his home, warning them not to enter but to contact emergency services. Officers and paramedics arrived just after 2pm but he could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 2.13pm. Notes had also been left for his friends and family.  Coroner Louise Slater said. 'I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions.' The coroner also described Mr Hammill as a 'single man, an actor and very close to his family members'. She offered condolences to his family. Mr Hammill's medical cause of death was recorded as 'hanging'. The inquest heard from Mr Hammill's sister Caroline, who said her brother's death had come as a 'complete shock' to the family. No one had been aware of the actor's mental health struggles or that he was 'feeling low enough to end his life', she told the court. Mr Hammill had been 'happy in life' and was 'loved by his family and nieces and nephews', Caroline added. Lancashire Police said: 'Following enquiries a man in his 40s from Doncaster was arrested on our behalf by South Yorkshire Police on December 29th. He was interviewed and bailed later the same day. 'On December 30th we were notified by South Yorkshire Police that the man had sadly been found dead. 'A decision was made to close our investigation, and the victim was made aware.' Frazer Hammill had been arrested by Lancashire Police on suspicion of sexual assault the day before he took his own life Tributes to Mr Hammill (seen here with the co-stars of play Bouncers in a publicity image) described him as having a 'huge loving heart' and being 'one of the most talented actors' He was known for his appearance in Emmerdale as a prison officer, and also appeared as a detective constable in BBC police drama Happy Valley. Other screen credits included roles in 2017 superhero blockbuster Justice League, independent film Last Laugh and 2008's Abraham's Point, which starred Mackenzie Crook. He also recently fronted a Nectar points ad campaign for Sainsbury's. Off-screen, Mr Hammill was also a drama teacher, and appeared in productions staged by the John Godber Company including Happy Jack and Bouncers. The theatre troupe broke the news of Mr Hammill's death on Instagram in January, sharing an image of the late actor. 'We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Frazer Hammill,' they wrote. 'It is impossible to put into words how much he will be missed by all of us who had the absolute joy of working with him. 'Frazer had a huge loving heart and enormous talent. We are all heartbroken.' Mr Hammill's Emmerdale co-star Amy Walsh also paid tribute, writing on Instagram: 'There are no words.' Another of his former co-stars, Lamin Touray, wrote on social media at the time: 'You were one of the most talented, funny, kind-hearted, loyal, caring, wise people I've ever met; you taught me so much.' He added: 'One of the most talented actors who became more than just a friend and colleague, you became family. 'You met my daughter just a few weeks ago. You came to watch the boxing at my house. All my family loved you and always spoke so highly of you! 'Me and you spoke about our big plans for 2026. We set goals and aims. You were in such a good place emotionally, career-wise, FLYING, but it wasn't enough to keep you with us.' Theatre Royal Wakefield said it was 'saddened to hear the news of Frazer Hammill's passing'. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. 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