Hollyoaks star Paul Danan died with drugs charges hanging over his head

Hollyoaks actor and reality TV star Paul Danan died the day before he was due to appear in court on drug charges. The 46-year-old, who played the character Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap from 1997 to 2001, had been accused of possessing cocaine and cannabis and driving under the influence.

A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that officers were called to an address in Brislington, Bristol, around 5.20pm on Wednesday, where a man in his 40s was declared dead by paramedics. She added that the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Danan was scheduled to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Thursday for a plea hearing, after being charged with possession of several bags of cocaine and a quantity of cannabis, according to court documents. He was also accused of driving under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year, in Warrington, Cheshire.

Danan had been candid about his struggles with addiction, having sought help through rehab and recovery efforts. He participated in ITV's Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, but did not win either series.

He also featured in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw him, former Westlife bodyguard and Celebrity Love Island winner Fran Cosgrave, and Calum Best, journey across the US, reports Bristol Live.

Best, the son of celebrated footballer George Best, has taken part in Celebrity Love Island and a travel-based reality show alongside Danan, whom he lauded as one of the "funniest, kindest, and most authentic people I've known" In an emotional Instagram tribute, he expressed that Danan was "truly a creative genius too having all of us laughing our asses off at his insta profile he made to rinse a certain era of celeb culture we lived."

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

DJ Roni Size, the acclaimed 1997 Mercury Prize winner for his album 'New Forms' with his drum and bass outfit Reprazent, took to Instagram sharing his heartache upon hearing the news of his friend’s passing on Thursday, remembering him as a "beautiful soul" and a "long time side kick".

He further reflected: "When you lose someone so close to you it is always so hard to find the right words to say how you are really feeling and what I should share online."

Bafta-winning actor, writer, director, and producer Adam Deacon mourned Danan on Instagram, regarding him as a "genuinely kind and compassionate person". Moreover, EastEnders star Dean Gaffney offered his respects, stating on an Instagram story that Danan "had a heart of gold".

In 2017, Danan made an appearance on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, getting evicted early. He expressed his hopes at the time, stating he was looking for the reality show to offer him a "second chance" in his career.

He consistently advocated for his return to Hollyoaks and also started the podcast 'The Morning After With Paul Danan', which ran from 2019 until 2023.

Hollyoaks released a statement on its account: "Paul brought to life Sol's journey from teenage tearaway to leading man with such charm and heart that no matter what trouble Sol was in, you were always on his side. It is a testament to Paul that his character is held with such great affection."

In 2020, Danan founded the drama workshop 'Morning After Drama', which expanded from online sessions during the pandemic to live workshops across London, Oxford, and the South West. The initiative targets young individuals, those in recovery from addiction, and ex-offenders, according to its website. His additional TV ventures included roles on E4's Celebrity Coach Trip and the Channel 4 sketch show, The Kevin Bishop Show.

Tributes flowed after his death, with DJ Fat Tony, whose real name is Anthony Marnoch, posting on Instagram to remember Danan as "one of the sweetest men", sharing that his passing "hurts so bad". Former EastEnders star Michael Greco took to his Instagram story, eulogising him as a "genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone", and noting he will be "missed by many".

Last year, Danan opened up to The Sun about his vaping addiction, revealing that he had collapsed in May due to excessive e-cigarette use. He also shared a warning from a nurse who told him that if he were to "ever smoke in any form again, I risk being linked to an oxygen tank later on in life".

In 2021, Danan quit smoking and admitted to becoming "obsessed" with vapes, saying he would "always have one in my hand, I would even go to sleep with it, like a comfort thing". He previously spoke about his substance abuse and recovery journey on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, which he said started when he was a teenager.

Danan confessed that he had to "work hard at it every day to keep in recovery". In 2010, he pleaded guilty to drugs and public order offences, resulting in a £350 fine and referral to a drugs agency for support by Stevenage Magistrates' Court.

Independent Creative Management released a statement saying: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan 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."