Image: Paul Danan on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017. Pic: PA

Hollyoaks star Paul Danan dies aged 46

16 Jan 2025, 06:02 · Sky News

Hollyoaks star Paul Danan has died at the age of 46.

He was best known for playing bad boy Sol Patrick in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Danan later appeared on the celebrity versions of Love Island and Big Brother.

The actor had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Thursday after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a "quantity" of cannabis, according to court documents.

He was also accused of driving while under the influence of drugs on 2 October last year in Warrington, Cheshire.

Announcing his death, Danan's management said in a statement: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old.

"Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.

"His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.

"During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul's family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time."

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Danan's last post on his official Instagram page was a short video audition for the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, in which he was reading for the role of Orsino. He posted it one week ago, commenting on how "beautiful and exhilarating it is" to get stuck into new work.

Calum Best, who worked with Danan across several TV shows including Celebrity Love Island, hailed him as "one of the funniest, kindest, and most real people" he had ever known and a "creative genius".

He said in a statement: "Paul was one of the funniest, kindest, and most real people I've ever known - truly a creative genius too. Life wasn't always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us.

"We shared so many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother."

DJ Fat Tony was one of the first to pay tribute on social media, calling him "one of the sweetest men," saying Danan's death at such a young age "hurts so bad".

Former EastEnders actor Michael Greco remembered Danan as a "genuine and caring man," sharing a photo of the actor on his Instagram Story.

Greco wrote in a message: "So, so sad to read about the passing of Paul Danan. In this day and age of falsities and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone.

"A lovely warm man that will be missed by many. R.I.P. Buddy."

Fellow EastEnders star Dean Gaffney also shared a photo of Danan on his Instagram Story, writing: "You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold... RIP Mr Paul Danan."

Kidulthood star Adam Deacon wrote in an Instagram story: "I just heard the devastating news about Paul Danan tragically passing away. I had the pleasure of working with him, and he was a genuinely kind and compassionate person." He added that his "thoughts" are with his friends and family.

Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace paid tribute in an Instagram post, writing: "Paul Danan... a friend of mine... I'm so shocked and heartbroken... my darling man... I will cherish all our happy memories. RIP u beautiful amazing talented human. I'm so very sorry."

Commenting on her post, Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healy wrote, "This is so sad," while former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson added, "Such a lovely, lovely guy".

Ex-EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook commented on the post: "We grew up together I'm devastated".

Westbrook also shared a long post on her Instagram Story, writing: "My world's just stood still. I actually can't believe my best friend has gone. From our days at school and through all the years, we've shared so many memories. I am devastated. My love and condolences to his family and his little boy. Paul, may you rest in peace."

Presenter Hayley Palmer, who said she had worked with Danan on Love Sport Radio, said he had invited her to a concert just a few weeks ago, and said they had last exchanged messages telling each other "I love you".

Image: Danan during his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017

Danan, who was born in Essex, trained at Italia Conti drama school in Woking.

He joined the cast of Hollyoaks aged 19, and quickly became a fan favourite, remaining on the show for four years.

Nominated for best actor at the Inside Soap Awards in 1999, his character left the show in 2001, fleeing the village after being falsely accused of murdering his girlfriend's brother.

A role he loved, Danan would regularly call for his character's return to the teen soap.

Following his Hollyoaks success, Danan moved to LA, where he tried to establish a career in Hollywood, but later said he spent too much time partying to find success.

He appeared twice as a contestant on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, but did not win either series.

He also appeared in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw the actor, former Westlife bodyguard Fran Cosgrave and George Best's son Calum Best travel across the US.

Image: Danan pictured outside court in 2010. Pic: PA

In 2010, Danan pleaded guilty to drugs and public order offences, and was fined £350 and referred to a drugs agency for support by Stevenage Magistrates' Court.

In 2017, he took part in Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, where he was evicted early. He said at the time he hoped the series would give him a "second chance" at his career.

More recently, he began the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which lasted from 2019 until 2023.

He had also appeared on shows including E4's Celebrity Coach Trip, Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show and CBBC show The Queen's Nose, playing Melody's agent Max.

Danan had spoken openly about his issues with substance abuse and poor mental health and discussed his addiction and recovery on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019.

He said his substance abuse had begun when he was a teenager, adding he had to "work hard at it every day to keep in recovery".

Image: Danan pictured in 2021. Pic: Jack Dredd/Shutterstock

In 2022, Danan told The Sun a relapse over lockdown had left him homeless.

A former smoker, Danan later told the paper his reliance on vapes had left him in intensive care with pneumonia and an ongoing lung condition over the summer.

Describing his collapse, which he said was caused by over-e-cigarette use, he said a nurse had warned him if he was to "ever smoke in any form again, I risk being linked to an oxygen tank later on in life".

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In 2020, Danan set up a theatre company called Morning After Drama in Bristol, offering free workshops to vulnerable groups.

He had also planned to set up a linked charity, The Other Side Of Morning CIC to offer community projects around the country. He had shared news about fundraising for the charity on TikTok in late December.

Danan leaves behind his nine-year-old son, Deniro.