Actor’s Shocking Will Revealed
Beloved comedian and actor Bobby Knutt left fans stunned once again—this time after the details of his will came to light. The Benidorm and Emmerdale star, who died suddenly in 2017 aged 71 while on holiday in the South of France, reportedly excluded two of his four children from his £350,000 estate.
Bobby, born Robert Wass, shared four children with his first wife. Yet his will specified that two would receive nothing, while the other two were left just £5,000 each. Instead, the majority of his estate went to other family members and close friends.
Who Inherited Bobby’s Fortune?
According to reports, Knutt chose to leave two-thirds of his estate to his sister, Tina Martin. The remaining share was left to his “closest friends,” Michael and Patricia Ward. His instructions stated that the trio should sell his South Yorkshire home, its contents, and his cars for profit.
Beyond money, Bobby left behind personal keepsakes. His sister inherited his quirky collection of ceramic Tetley Tea figures, while his solicitor received his prized £6,000 Omega Seamaster watch.
The news of his children’s exclusion has reignited discussion about Knutt’s complicated personal life. Married four times, the actor experienced both professional highs and deep personal heartbreak.
A Life on Stage and Screen
Affectionately nicknamed Knutty, Bobby Knutt built a career that spanned decades. He was adored for his role as Eddie Dawson in ITV’s Benidorm, and for playing Albert Dingle in Emmerdale between 1995 and 2004. He also appeared in Coronation Street as garage boss Ron Sykes and became a familiar voice in TV advertising, most notably for Tetley Tea.
His quick wit and larger-than-life presence made him a household name, especially in his native Sheffield. On the club circuit, he built a reputation as a comic who could make crowds roar with laughter, and his charm carried him onto Britain’s biggest TV shows.
Tributes From Colleagues and Fans
News of Bobby’s death in September 2017 shocked the entertainment world. His agent confirmed his passing, and tributes poured in from colleagues and fans.
Benidorm creator Derren Litten shared: “Very sad Benidorm news guys. The wonderful Bobby Knutt has passed away suddenly aged 71. Sending our Beni love to his family.”
The show’s official Twitter account added: “Good night Knutty, your Benidorm family loves you.”
At his funeral in South Yorkshire, stars from stage and screen gathered, including Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis and musician Richard Hawley.
A Funeral Like No Other
Bobby’s farewell reflected his larger-than-life spirit. At Holy Trinity Church in Wentworth, near Rotherham, mourners were treated to a video message where Bobby performed his own eulogy. He joked about his life, recalling his beginnings in the working men’s clubs and describing his philosophy as to “start off at 100mph and get faster.”
Photos from his TV and stage career flashed on screen while his trademark humour brought both tears and laughter. Canon Trevor Page, who led the service, said: “He was such a big personality and it is difficult to accept his absence.”
As his coffin was carried out, mourners applauded one last time. Floral tributes reading “Dad” and “Knutty” accompanied him as his own songs—“You’re My Day, You’re My Night” and “Did I Hear You Say Goodbye?”—played.
Personal Tragedy
Knutt’s later years were marked by personal heartbreak. His fourth wife, Donna Hartley, known as the “golden girl” of British athletics in the 1980s, tragically died in 2013. The former Olympic runner was found by Bobby in their Barnsley garden after collapsing while sunbathing.
Her sudden death deeply affected him, and friends noted that the loss left a lasting shadow.
A Complex Legacy
Though the details of his will raised eyebrows, Bobby Knutt remains remembered above all for his humour, warmth, and contributions to British television. His story is one of laughter, resilience, and personal complexity—a reminder that behind every public star lies a private life full of both triumph and turmoil.
