Former Hollyoaks star Paul Danan dies aged 46

Former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan has died aged 46.

He was best known for playing Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap from 1997 to 2001.

He was later known for his reality TV appearances.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to an address in Brislington, Bristol, at around 5.20pm on Wednesday "where sadly a man in his 40s was declared deceased by paramedics".

"His family have been notified and our thoughts are with them," the spokesperson added.

"They have asked for people to respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

"His death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are preparing a file for the coroner."

Danan had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates' Court in the UK 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 whilst under the influence of drugs on 2 October last year in Warrington, Cheshire.

A statement shared with the PA news agency from Danan's management company, 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 both 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.

In 2017, Danan took part in Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, where he was evicted early, and said at the time that 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 ran from 2019 until 2023.

In 2020, he started a drama workshop, Morning After Drama, which grew from online sessions during the pandemic to holding workshops in London, Oxford, and the southwest of England.

Its website says it is aimed at young people, recovering addicts, and former prisoners.

Danan's other appearances included E4's Celebrity Coach Trip and the Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.

Last year, Danan told The Sun about his addiction to vaping, saying he had collapsed in May over e-cigarette use.

He also said he was warned by a nurse that if he was to "ever smoke in any form again, I risk being linked to an oxygen tank later on in life".

Danan quit smoking in 2021 and said he then became "obsessed" with vapes, and would "always have one in my hand, I would even go to sleep with it, like a comfort thing".

He had previously discussed his substance abuse and recovery on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, recounting that the substance abuse began when he was a teenager.

Danan said he had to "work hard at it every day to keep in recovery".

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

A statement on X from the Hollyoaks account said: "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."

Source: Press Association