Paul Danan said it was 'miracle' he was alive after health battle saw him rushed to hospital months before death

Paul Danan said it was a 'miracle' he was alive months before his death after a worrying health battle saw him rushed to hospital. The former Hollyoaks actor has died, aged 46, it was confirmed on Thursday (January 16).

A statement issued to the PA news agency by Independent Creative Management said: "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."

Danan was a Celebrity Love Island contestant in 2005 and 2006, though did not win either series. In 2017, he took part in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother, where he was evicted early, and said at the time he hoped the series would give him a “second chance” at his career.

He regularly called for his return to Hollyoaks, and later began the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which lasted from 2019 until 2023. His other appearances included E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip, and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.

The sad news of Paul's death came after it was revealed in June that he was brought back to life after his 'obsessive' vape usage caused respiratory failure. He told how he collapsed and had to be given CPR by his family after losing consciousness while at home.

He was then rushed to hospital in an ambulance and ended up in the ICU with pneumonia as his family were warned he might not 'make it through the night'. After waking up in hospital he told how the doctor was incredibly stern with him and said if he carried on smoking he risked having to be linked to an oxygen tank later in life.

He told The Sun: "I was dead — it's a miracle I'm here. I'm upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed. My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital."

He added at the time: "I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky. The doctor was so, so harsh with me. She told me, ‘Paul, you don’t know how serious this was and you are going to be in here for a while now, on this oxygen’.

"She said if I ever smoke in any form again I risk being linked to an oxygen tank later on in life. She said that’s it now. After years of smoking cigarettes and all sorts, it’s the vaping which has done me in. That pushed me over the edge."

Dean Gaffney has led tributes to Danan. The 'EastEnders' actor is among several celebrities who took to social media on Thursday (16.01.25) to remember the former 'Hollyoaks' star, and he recalled Paul having a "heart of gold". Dean wrote on his Instagram Story: "You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold... RIP Mr Paul Danan."

Former 'Big Brother' star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace also paid tribute to her friend, admitting she will "cherish" all the "happy memories" the pair shared. She wrote on Instagram: "Paul Danan... a friend of mine... I'm so shocked and heartbroken.... my darling man... I will cherish all our happy memories. u beautiful amazing talented human. im so very sorry (sic)"

'Hollyoaks' star Chelsee Healey commented on Aisleyne’s post: "This is so sad." Ex-'EastEnders' actor Michael Greco praised Paul for being a "genuine and caring man" in a world of "falsities and fake people". He wrote on X: "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 (sic)"

Former darts ace Bobby George remembered Paul as a "very bubbly young man", after starring alongside him in 2004 film 'One Man and His Dog'. He wrote on X: "So sad to hear of the passing of Paul Danan. We worked together on the film ‘one man and his dog’ a few years ago he was a very bubbly young man. Condolences go out to his family and friends at this very sad time. (sic)"