Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan, ‘light of hope’, found dead before trial

Hollyoaks actor and reality TV personality Paul Danan has died a day before he was due to appear in court on drug charges.

Aged 46, he played the rebellious character Sol Patrick from 1997 to 2001 in the Channel 4 soap. He was later recognized for his appearances on reality TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island .

A spokeswoman 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 pronounced deceased by paramedics .”

She added that the death “is not considered suspicious and officers are preparing a file for the medical examiner.”

Danan was due to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court for a plea hearing after being charged with possessing several bags of cocaine and a “quantity” of cannabis, according to court documents.

He also faced charges of driving under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year in Warrington, Cheshire.

Paul Danan had been outspoken about his struggles with addiction, having attended rehab in an attempt to recover.

He appeared on ITV’s Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, but did not win either season.

He was also seen on the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, where he traveled across the US with former Westlife bodyguard and Celebrity Love Island winner Fran Cosgrave , and Calum Best.

On Instagram, he shared that Danan was “truly a creative genius, making us all laugh with his insta profile he created to mock a certain era of celebrity culture we lived in.”

“Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, inspiring so many of us.”

“We shared many laughs, discussions and unforgettable moments. My thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, brother.”

DJ Roni Size, winner of the Mercury Prize in 1997 for the album New Forms with his band Roni Size and Reprazent, wrote on Instagram that he “woke up” to the news of his friend’s death on Thursday. He described him as a “magnificent soul” and “a long-term partner”.

He also said: “When you lose someone so close, it’s always difficult to find the right words to express your true feelings and what I should share online.”

EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney also paid tribute to Danan, saying in an Instagram story that he “had a heart of gold”.

In 2017, Danan took part in Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5, where he was quickly ousted, hoping the experience would give him a “second chance” in his career.

He regularly called for a return to the Hollyoaks series and later launched the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which ran from 2019 to 2023.

A statement on happened, you were always on his side.”

“It’s a true testament to Paul that his character is so dear to everyone’s hearts.”

In 2020 he launched a drama workshop, Morning After Drama, which evolved from online workshops during the pandemic to face-to-face sessions in London, Oxford and the South West.

The website for this workshop states that it is aimed at youth, people in recovery and formerly incarcerated people.

Danan’s other appearances include being on E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip and Channel 4’s satirical comedy program The Kevin Bishop Show.

DJ Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, wrote on Instagram that Danan was “one of the sweetest men”, adding that it “hurts so bad”.

Former EastEnders actor Michael Greco remembered a “genuine, caring man who just wanted to please everyone”, adding that he would be “much missed”, in an Instagram story.

Last year, Danan told The Sun he struggled with a vaping addiction, revealing he collapsed in May due to his use of e-cigarettes.

He had also mentioned that a nurse had warned him that if he “smoked in any form again, he might be dependent on an oxygen tank in the future”.

Danan quit smoking in 2021 and said he became “obsessed” with vapes, always having them on hand, even going to sleep with them, as a comfort object.

He previously discussed his struggles with addiction and recovery on ITV’s The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, explaining that his drug use began in his teens.

He said he had to “work hard every day to stay in recovery.”

In 2010 he pleaded guilty to drugs and public order offences, was fined £350 and referred to a specialist drugs agency by Stevenage Crown Court.

A statement from Independent Creative Management said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years of age.”

“Known for his television presence, exceptional talent and unfailing generosity, Paul was a light to many.”

“His premature departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.”

“During these difficult times, we ask for respect and discretion for Paul’s family, friends and colleagues.”