Former Hollyoaks star Paul Danan dies aged 46 | Television

Former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan has died aged 46, his management company said.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan, aged just 46,” announced Independent Creative PR. “Known for his television presence, exceptional talent and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.”

“His untimely passing will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. At this difficult time, we kindly ask for respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends and colleagues. No further comment will be made at this time.”

The actor starred as Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks between 1997 and 2001, was a contestant on the first season of ITV dating show Celebrity Love Island and appeared in Celebrity Big Brother.

In June 2024, he revealed that he had previously had to be resuscitated after respiratory failure caused by excessive vaping and then spent a week in intensive care.

“I was dead – it’s a miracle I’m here,” he said at the time. “I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape and suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed. My family called an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then the police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital. I was on a machine in intensive care and ended up with pneumonia.My family was warned that I might not make it through the night.

The actor ran Morning After Drama, a therapy program that used acting to help people with mental health, addiction and trauma-related issues.

Danan had personally battled drug addiction and claimed to have spent around £1m. in rehab over the years, with a Covid-related relapse leaving him on the streets at one point until he checked into a Cotswolds rehab facility.

Fellow soap actors and reality TV stars paid tribute to the actor. “You had your demons, but my God you had a heart of gold,” said ex EastEnder Dean Gaffney. “RIP Mr. Paul Danan.”