Hollyoaks and Love Island star Paul Danan has died, aged 46.
The news was announced by his team, Independent Creative Pr, on Thursday (16 January).
“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.”
Last year, Danan revealed that he almost died after after an “obsessive” vape usage caused respiratory failure, forcing his family to bring him back to life by giving him CPR after he lost consciousness at home.
Danan first shot to fame for playing Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks between 1997 and 2001. In 2002, he appared as Agent Max Mitford on CBBC’s The Queen’s Nose. The star returned to TV in 2005 to appear on the first series of Celebrity Love Island alongside models Calum Best and Rebecca Loos.
In 2019, he opened up about his struggles with substance addiction during an episode of The Jeremy Kyle Show, setting up a drama school in 2023 for those experiencing challenges with addiction, after receiving a lottery grant.
After starring on Celebrity Coach Trip, Danan revealed he was left needing therapy. Finding the process of being voted off the coach by other contestants “brutal”, he admitted it forced him to experience uncomfortable emotions.
“I had to get a bit of counselling. It taps into a lot of stuff – like rejection. It’s brutal,” he said at the time.
The actor’s final Instagram post before his death showed him preparing to audition for the tole of Orsino in A Twelfth Night.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve gone near a bit of the master that is our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare,” he wrote.
“You forget what a genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exhilarating it is when you get stuck into tackling his work. It’s an amazing experience! I forget sometimes how much I need to be awoken… #twelfthnight #stafford #shakespeare”.
More to follow
