Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill, 41, took his personal life after being arrested over alleged intercourse assault, inquest hears

Emmerdale star Frazer Hammill took his own life after police arrested him over an alleged sexual assault.

The soap actor, 41, was found dead in his home on December 30 last year, a day after being questioned by Lancashire Police. 

He left a note on his neighbour’s door with the keys to his home, warning them not to enter and to alert emergency services.

Mr Hammill – described and ‘talented and kind-hearted’ by co-stars – was known for his role as a prison guard in Emmerdale and as a police officer in the hit BBC drama Happy Valley.

Police have now revealed Mr Hammill was arrested after woman in her 40s claimed he had sexually assaulted her at an address in Lytham.

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.’

The incident was reported on December 17 and allegedly took place three days earlier. 

Custody officers told Doncaster Coroner’s Court the actor appeared to be in ‘good spirits’ when he left the station on the day of his arrest.

Police reportedly had no concerns over his mental wellbeing or safety.

Officers and paramedics arrived at Mr Hammill’s flat just after 2pm but he could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 2.13pm.

Further notes had been left for Mr Hammill’s family and friends following his arrest, the coroner said.  

‘I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions,’ she concluded and offered her condolences to his loved ones.

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.

The John Godber Theatre Company 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 to the late actor following his death in a post saying ‘there are no words’ accompanied by broken heart emojis. 

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’.