Emmerdale and Happy Valley star Frazer Hammill took his life at 41 day after arrest, inquest finds

Olivia Gantzer
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:08:05 +0000

An inquest has revealed that actor Frazer Hammill, known for his roles in Emmerdale and Happy Valley, took his own life at the age of 41.

The performer was discovered deceased at his Doncaster residence on December 30, 2025, just hours after being questioned by Lancashire Police.

Mr Hammill had portrayed a prison officer in the ITV soap and appeared as a detective constable in the BBC crime drama.

Area coroner Louise Slater confirmed the circumstances surrounding his death at Doncaster Coroner's Court.

The actor had been arrested by Lancashire Police the day before his death.

Custody officers informed the court that Hammill "appeared to be in good spirits" upon leaving the station, with no concerns raised about his safety or mental wellbeing.

The coroner detailed how Mr Hammill had left a note attached to his neighbour's door along with his house keys, instructing them not to enter but to contact police as he had ended his life.

Emergency services reached his flat shortly after 2pm but were unable to revive him, with his death recorded at 2.13pm, reports state.

Ms Slater determined the medical cause of death as hanging and stated: "I am satisfied that this was a deliberate act and Frazer had put thought, planning and intention into his actions."

The coroner noted that Hammill had also written additional messages for his loved ones.

"Frazer Hammill passed away at his home on December 30. He was a single man, an actor, and very close to his family members," Ms Slater said during the hearing.

Mr Hammill's sister Caroline provided a moving statement to the inquest, describing the family's reaction as one of "complete shock."

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She explained that no one in the family had been aware of any mental health difficulties her brother was experiencing.

Caroline told the court that they had no idea he was "feeling low enough to end his life."

According to her statement, the actor appeared content and was "happy in life."

She added that her brother deeply "loved his family and nieces and nephews."

The revelation that Hammill had been struggling came as a complete surprise to those closest to him, with his sister emphasising that he had given no indication of his state of mind to relatives.

Tributes flooded in following the news of Hammill's passing in December.

Emmerdale colleague Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Shankley, shared a photograph of him on Instagram with the message: "Rest in peace you wonderful man."

Fellow actor Lamin Touray wrote: "You were one of the most talented, funny, kind-hearted, loyal, caring, wise people I've ever met; you taught me so much."

Mr Touray added that Mr Hammill had seemed to be thriving both personally and professionally, noting: "You were in such a good place emotionally, career-wise, FLYING, but it wasn't enough to keep you with us."

The John Godber Company described him as possessing a "huge loving heart" and "enormous talent," while Theatre Royal Wakefield praised his "warmth, professionalism and passion for his craft."

Beyond television, Mr Hammill's stage credits included the titular role in Heart of Thomas Hardy and Jonathan O'Malley in Last Laugh.