Hollyoaks and reality TV star Paul Danan has been described as a “beacon of light” after his death aged 46.
The actor played bad boy Sol Patrick from 1997 to 2001 on the Channel 4 soap and was later known for his reality TV appearances, including on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island.
He had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a “quantity” of cannabis, according to court documents.
He was also accused of driving whilst under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year in Warrington, Cheshire.
Bafta-winning actor writer, director, and producer Adam Deacon, and EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney are among those who have paid tribute to Danan.
Calum Best, son of footballer George Best who took part on Celebrity Love Island and a reality travel programme with Danan, described the actor as “one of the funniest, kindest, and most real people I’ve ever known”, and said they shared “so many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments”.
A statement from Independent Creative Management said: “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.”
Danan was a ITV’s Celebrity Love Island contestant in 2005 and 2006, though he did not win either series.
He also appeared in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw the actor, former Westlife bodyguard and Celebrity Love Island winner Fran Cosgrave and Best travel across the US.
Best said in a statement to the PA news agency: “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, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.”
In 2017, Danan took part in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother, where he was evicted early, and said at the time he hoped the series would give him a “second chance” at his career.
He regularly called for his return to Hollyoaks, and later began the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which lasted from 2019 until 2023.
In 2020, he started a drama workshop, Morning After Drama, which grew from online sessions during the pandemic to holding workshops in London, Oxford and the South West.
Its website says it is aimed at young people, recovering addicts, and former prisoners.
His other appearances included E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip, and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.
Deacon called Danan a “genuinely kind and compassionate person”, following him having the “pleasure of working with him” in an Instagram story.
Gaffney paid tribute to Danan in an Instagram story, saying he “had a heart of gold”.
Sky presenter Hayley Palmer hailed Danan, who she hosted a radio show with on Love Sport Radio, as a “one-off character” who was “so funny” on Instagram.
She added: “We were great friends and did a Radio Show on Love Sport Radio together and I would fall off my chair with laughter!
“And he was one of the first to reach out to me when I wasn’t in a good place last year.”
DJ Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, wrote on Instagram that Danan was “one of the sweetest men”, and said it “hurts so bad”.
Former EastEnders actor Michael Greco remembered him as a “genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone” , and said he would be “missed by many” in an Instagram story.
Last year, Danan told The Sun about his addiction to vaping, saying he had collapsed in May over e-cigarette use.
He also said 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 on in life”.
Danan quit smoking in 2021 and said he then 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 says began when he was 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.
A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to an address in Brislington, Bristol, at around 5.20pm, on Wednesday, “where sadly a man in his 40s was declared deceased by paramedics”.
“His family have been notified and our thoughts are with them,” the spokeswoman added.
“They have asked for people to respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are preparing a file for the coroner.”