Paul Danan has died at the age of 46 (Image: No credit)
Hollyoaks star , just hours before he was due to appear in count for allegedly possessing cocaine and cannabis, according to reports.
The late actor was known for playing bad boy Sol Patrick on the soap from 1997 to 2001 before he launched his career in reality TV, appearing on shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island.
It is understood Danan had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court in the heart of Cheshire todau after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a “quantity” of cannabis, according to court documents.
The TV star was also accused of driving whilst under the influence of drugs on October 2, 2024, while in Warrington. A statement from Independent Creative Management announced his passing online with an emotional statement.
It 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.
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The actor passed away hours before he was due to appear in court (Image: Channel 4)
“His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in teh lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Danan was on ITV’s Celebrity Love Island contestant in 2005 and 2006, however he didn’t with either series. But that didn’t stop him from persuing a career in reality TV.
He also appeared in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan, which saw the actor, former Westlife bodyguard Fran Cosgrave and George Best’s son Calum Best travel across the US.
In 2017, Danan took part in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother, where he was evicted early, and said at the time that he hoped the series would give him a “second chance” at his career.
His other TV appearances included E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip, and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.
Last year, Danan told The Sun about his addiction to vaping, admitting he had collapsed in May over his use of e-cigarettes. He also told the outlet that he was warned by a nurse that if he was to “ever smoke in any form again, I risk being linked to an oxygen tank later in life.”
In 2021, the actor managed to kick the habit but soon became “obsessed” with vapes, and would “always have one in my hand, I would even go to sleep with it, like a comfort thing.”
He had previously discussed his substance abuse and recovery on ITV’s The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, which he said began when he was just a teenager.
Danan said he had to “work hard at it every day to keep in recovery.” In 2010, he pleaded guilty to drugs and public order offences, and was fined £350 and referred to a drugs agency for support by Stevenage Magistrates’ Court.
Danan is survived by his nine-year-old son Deniro.