Watch unseen clip of Paul Danan partying on Celeb Coach Trip as devastated co-star pays tribute after his shock death
PAIGE Turley has shared unseen footage of Paul Danan being the life and soul of the party before his death.
The Love Island star got to know Paul well when they appeared on Celeb Coach Trip a couple of years ago and she paid tribute to him today following the news of his death.
Paige posted a video of Paul singing and dancing in the aisles of the coach as everyone cheered him on.
She wrote alongside it: “Such sad news about Paul, a kind soul with a big heart. Rest easy.”
Paul was partnered on the show with Team GB athlete Ashley McKenzie back in 2022.
He later said the series was so “brutal” that he needed therapy after being booted off.
Paul said that being in Portugal for the trip after two years of the pandemic was “like a drug”.
He said of getting booted off the show: “I had to get a bit of counselling. It taps into a lot of stuff – like rejection. It’s brutal.”
Ashley also paid tribute today and shared a series of pictures from their trip.
He wrote: “Rest in peace. We had the best two weeks on celebrity Coach Trip. Love My Boy.”
Paul’s shock death was announced by his management today on Instagram.
He was found dead at home at the age of 46.
A heartfelt message read: “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.
“No further comments will be made at this time.”
The actor played bad boy Sol Patrick from 1997 to 2001 on Hollyoaks and was later known for his reality TV appearances, including on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island.
Behind the headlines, Paul was a sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy
BY Oliver Grady, Assistant Showbiz Editor
Paul Danan may have grabbed his share of column inches over his all too short 46 years, from his colourful love life to his well-documented struggles with addiction, but behind the headlines, there was a very sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy.
I’ve met and spoken with Paul many times over the years and have always had a soft spot for him. He was funny, articulate, smart and great company.
Yes, he had his demons, but he was very open about them and was always striving to be a better version of himself.
He was extremely proud of his theatre company, The Morning After, which he set up to help fellow addicts work through their trauma through drama and acting.
While he seemed lost at times, and on several occasions opened up to me about his struggle to be taken seriously in the industry after his private life exploits overshadowed his professional accomplishments, he clearly found a purpose in supporting others and helping them stay on the path of recovery.
There was only one thing Paul was prouder of than his recovery and his theatre company, and that was his son DeNiro.
Paul lit up when he spoke about his boy, and looked forward to spending the weekends with him as he co-parented with the lad’s mum.
His whatsapp photo was him beaming with DeNiro, and he loved to talk about his offspring’s accomplishments and his hopes for his future.
It breaks my heart that DeNiro now has to go through the rest of his life without his dad, and Paul will never see him grow up.
I last heard from Paul at Christmas, when he left me a voicenote saying he had some exciting things planned for 2025.
I told him we’d catch up in the New Year, but sadly we never got the chance to.
I’ll miss you Paul. You were one of life’s good ones.