Paul Danan, Hollyoaks and Love Island star, dies aged 46

The actor starred in Hollyoaks before making his name in reality TV from Celebrity Love Island to Celebrity Big Brother.

Paul Danan has died.
Paul Danan has died. (Getty)

Hollyoaks actor and Celebrity Love Island star Paul Danan has died aged 46.

Best known for his role in Hollyoaks, he played Sol Patrick in the British soap from 1997 until 2001. After acting, the star — who has an eight-year-old son DeNiro — pursued a career in reality television with appearances on Celebrity Love Island, Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Coach Trip.

Danan had been listed to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning, with PA Media reporting that he was 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 in Warrington, Cheshire in October.

In a statement, his management said: "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.

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"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."

Paul Danan on Celebrity Love Island. (REX)
Paul Danan on Celebrity Love Island. (REX)

Police have shared their sympathies for the family of Hollyoaks and reality TV star Danan.

A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: "Officers attended a property in Brislington, Bristol, at around 5.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 January) where sadly a man in his 40s was declared deceased by paramedics.

"His family have been notified and our thoughts are with them. 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."

Last year, the star revealed he nearly died after suffering with respiratory failure following his vaping addiction. He told The Sun on Sunday in June: "I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here."

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The actor collapsed and was rushed to hospital where he spent a week in intensive care and contracted pneumonia.

Speaking about what happened at the time, he said: "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. 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."

In the same interview, the reality TV star spoke about how he become "obsessed" with "disposable vapes" and would even go to sleep with it.

Read more: This is what vaping does to your body

 Paul Danan at a London event in 2019
Paul Danan at a London event in 2019. (Getty)

Danan's friends and former co-stars have begun paying tribute to him following the announcement of his death.

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Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace wrote: “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."

Another ex-Big Brother housemate, Imogen Thomas, posted: "So shocked and saddened to hear the death of the lovely Paul Danan. You were a great man. RIP you lovely soul."

Actor Michael Greco, who appeared in Celebrity Love Island 2005 with Danan, wrote: "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."

DJ Fat Tony posted on Instagram: "This hurts so bad god bless you Paul one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met what a sad day @pauldanan x."

TV presenter Hayley Palmer posted a photo of them together and wrote: "I'm in absolute bits Love you forever Paul Danan I can't even believe the news.. I only spoke to Paul a couple of weeks ago! He invited me to a Prodigy Concert and I said 'Paulieeee that's not really my thing!.. and he said I knewwww it wouldn't be!!!!!!'

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"Paul was a one off character, he was soooo funny! We were great friends and did a Radio Show on Love Sport Radio together and I would fall off my chair with laughter! And he was one of the first to reach out to me when I wasn't in a good place last year. Last message he said love you and I said love you back x."

Danan started out his TV career in Hollyoaks but would later branch out into the world of reality television.

The actor was one of the first to appear on Celebrity Love Island and he made appearances in the first series in 2005 as well as the second series in 2006. The show format was later rebooted as Love Island in 2015, featuring non-celebrity contestants.

In 2017, Danan made a TV comeback with Celebrity Big Brother and he said he hoped it would be a "second chance" at his career.

paul danan Celebrity coach trip
The TV star took part in Celebrity Coach Trip. (E4)

His other television appearances included E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.

As well as TV, Danan branched out into podcasting and The Morning After With Paul Danan ran from 2019 until 2023.

The star was open about his struggles with addiction — in 2019, he appeared on an episode of The Jeremy Kyle Show where he said he was in recovery from substance addiction.

Revealing on the chat show that he had been to rehab 17 times in an effort to get control of his addiction, he spoke about his regrets at some of the reality TV he had taken part in. He said: "I should never have done any of those shows really because I wasn't well. I'm not well."

Paul Danan in his Hollyoaks role as Sol Patrick. (Channel 4)
Paul Danan in his Hollyoaks role as Sol Patrick. (Channel 4)

Just weeks before his death, Danan had posted on a GoFundMe page about his efforts to raise £5,000 for Morning After Drama group, a project helping others affected by addiction and mental health issues. He wrote: "We offer a fun, engaging and confidence building environment to support people who are recovering from addiction, low confidence, mental health challenges and social isolation and providing these free sessions is something we are very proud of."

"We believe that everyone should be able to access the arts regardless of financial status and our sessions have proved to be a vital part of the recovery journey for so many people," he added.

Danan had also posted about the drama group on Instagram in a Christmas Day message, writing: "Eat , Chill and be Merry people...Reach out if your struggling guys."

Earlier in December, Danan had appeared on GB News to speak about Morning After Drama's work and encourage others to get involved in their workshops. It is thought to have been his final TV appearance.

Last week, in his final Instagram post Danan shared a clip of himself reading an audition piece for Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

He wrote: "Audition for A Twelfth Night to play Orsino. It's been a long time since I've gone near a bit of the Master that is Our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare. You forget what a Genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exhilarating it is when you get stuck in to tackling his work. It's an amazing experience! I forget sometimes how much i need to be awoken..."

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.