TROUBLE TV star Paul Danan has been hailed as an “extraordinary talent” – following his death aged 46 a day before he was due to face drug charges.
Tributes have been pouring in for the former Hollyoaks actor.
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Paul Danan, who appeared on Celebrity Love Island, has died aged 46
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Paul Danan pictured at the Celebrity Big Brother Final 2017. Credit: Getty
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Paul spoke of his hopes of returning to acting in his final social media post before his death
Paul’s management company said in a statement: “Known for his television presence, exceptional talent and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon to many.
“His untimely passing 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 JP in Cheshire charged with possession of cocaine and cannabis.
Paul was also charged with driving under the influence last October.
Ex-girlfriend Katie Price said: “Wow, just speechless and shocked. Many memories that I will always cherish.”
Close friend Calum Best, who appeared with Paul in the ITV2 travel series Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan, said: “Paul was one of the funniest, kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever known – truly a creative genius.
“Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired many of us.
“We shared so many laughs and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones. Rest, brother.”
And former EastEnders actor Michael Greco said: “In this day and age of lies and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone.”
Paul Danan’s final Instagram post was revealed just days before his tragic death at the age of 46
Paul, who had a nine-year-old son DeNiro, was best known as Sol Patrick in the C4 soap Hollyoaks from 1997 to 2001.
He also starred in the first series of Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
The star, who has appeared in two series of Celebrity Love Island, previously criticized the show for being “dangerous”.
He appeared in the first series in 2005 and eventually returned for the second.
In a leaked interview in 2020, the late star warned show bosses about the “dangers” that instant reality stardom can pose for participating Islanders.
Speaking to Mirror Online, Paul said: “It’s crazy to see it happen at this time of year.
“To be honest, it’s so made up. In the days when I was doing Love Island we were left alone, we weren’t told to pair up with anyone, we could just do whatever we wanted.
“If we liked someone, great, if we didn’t then we shouldn’t have done anything.”
A spokesman for Love Island said at the time that the relationships formed in the show depend entirely on the Islanders.
In 2022, Paul starred on Celebrity Coach, which he later revealed required therapy.
The show usually sees the other contestants vote off the coach and Paul admitted he found the process “brutal”.
He said of the experience: “I had to get some counseling. It involves a lot of things – like rejection. It’s brutal.”
Paul has also been open about his past struggles with addiction and mental health.
In 2020, he launched the free acting workshop The Morning After the Drama, which offers courses for drug addicts, ex-prisoners and young people.
Last year he collapsed and was hospitalized with pneumonia – which he blamed on his cigarette addiction.
Afterwards, Paul told The Sun: “I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here. I’m really lucky.”
He has previously opened up about his addictions to cocaine and the painkiller codeine and said he has spent more than £1m on recovery over the years.
Days before his death, he posted a video on Instagram in which he talks about auditioning for a role in a Shakespeare play.
In the post, he revealed that his passion for acting has been revitalized by the potential of a new role.
He wrote: “Audition for Twelfth Night to play Orsino. It’s been a while since I got a little closer to the Master who is our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare.
“You forget what a genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exciting it is when you get stuck into his work. It’s an amazing experience! Sometimes I forget how much I need you to wake me up…”
Police said yesterday 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 a man in his 40s was sadly pronounced dead by paramedics.”
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The Hollyoaks star won the award for Funniest Reality TV Personality at The Loaded Laftas Comedy Awards 2006 Credit: Getty – Contributor
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