Hollyoaks star Paul Danan was due in court the day before his tragic death aged 46 – as celeb pals pay tribute
TROUBLED telly star Paul Danan has been hailed as an “exceptional talent” — after his death aged 46 on the day before he was due in court to face drug charges.
Tributes poured in for the ex-Hollyoaks actor.
Paul’s management company said in a statement: “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.”
His death on Wednesday came hours before he was due to face Warrington JPs in Cheshire charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis.
Paul was also accused of driving under the influence of drugs last October.
Former girlfriend Katie Price said: “Wow, just speechless and shocked. Many memories I’ll always remember.”
Close pal Calum Best, who appeared with Paul in ITV2 travelogue series Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan, said: “Paul was one of the funniest, kindest, and most real people I’ve ever known — truly a creative genius too.
“Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us.
“We shared so many laughs and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones. Rest easy, brother.”
And ex-EastEnders actor Michael Greco said: “In this day and age of falsities and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone.”
Paul, who had nine-year-old son DeNiro, was best known as Sol Patrick in C4 soap Hollyoaks from 1997 until 2001.
He also starred in the first series of Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
The star, who appeared in two series of Celebrity Love Island , previously slammed the show for being “dangerous”.
He appeared on the first series in 2005 and ended up coming back for the second one as well.
In an unearthed interview in 2020, the late star warned the show’s bosses about the “dangers” that instant reality fame could pose to the Islanders taking part.
Speaking to the Mirror Online, Paul said: “It’s mad to see it come on at this time of year.
“To be honest, it’s so contrived. Back in the day when I did Love Island we were left alone, we weren’t told to pair up with anyone, we could just do what we wanted.
“If we liked someone, great, if we didn’t then we didn’t need to do anything.”
A Love Island spokesperson told the outlet at the time that the relationships formed on the show are completely up to the Islanders.
In 2022, Paul starred on Celebrity Coach trip, which he later revealed left him needing therapy.
The show typically sees contestants voted off the coach by the other participants, and Paul admitted that he found the process “brutal”.
He said of the experience: “I had to get a bit of counselling. It taps into a lot of stuff – like rejection. It’s brutal.”
Paul had also been open about his past struggles with addiction and mental health.
In 2020 he started the free acting workshop Morning After Drama offering sessions for recovering addicts, former prisoners and young people.
Last year, he collapsed and was hospitalised with pneumonia — which he blamed on his addiction to vaping.
Afterwards, Paul told The Sun: “I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here. I’m so lucky.”
He previously told of his addictions to cocaine and the painkiller codeine and said he had spent more than £1million on rehab over the years.
Days before his death he posted a video on Instagram talking about an audition for a role in a Shakespeare play.
In the post he revealed his passion for acting had been revitalised by the potential of a new role.
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…”
Police yesterday said that his death was not being treated as suspicious.
Avon and Somerset Police said: “Officers attended a property in Brislington, Bristol, at around 5.20pm yesterday where sadly a man in his 40s was declared deceased by paramedics.”