Paul Danan, a one-time actor on “Hollyoaks” and reality TV star, was found dead in Brislington, Bristol, England, on January 16, 2024, according to local law enforcement. The Avon and Somerset Police reported finding him deceased at the scene, with paramedics confirming his death. He was 46 years old. Danan reportedly died after a fall at the luxury apartment where he had been staying.
Danan’s passing was confirmed by his management agency, Independent Creative PR, via Instagram. The statement paid tribute to his exceptional talent, television career, and unwavering kindness, describing him as a beacon of light. Independent Creative PR requested privacy and respect for Danan’s family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging period.
On the day of his death, Danan was due to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court. He was facing charges for possession of multiple bags of cocaine, a quantity of cannabis, and driving under the influence.
Danan started his career as a teenager, making appearances on shows like “The Queen’s Nose” and “The Basil Brush Show.” His big break came with the role of Solomon “Sol” Patrick on the Channel 4 soap opera “Hollyoaks,” which he played from 1997 to 2001. His career expanded to include appearances on “Casualty” and various reality shows, including the original series of “Celebrity Love Island” in 2005, “Celebrity Big Brother,” and “Come Dine With Me.”
In June 2024, Danan suffered a significant health crisis related to vaping. After switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes, he collapsed at his parents’ house and received CPR before being taken to Whipps Cross Hospital in East London. He contracted pneumonia during a week-long stay in intensive care. In a subsequent media interview, he revealed that he had clinically died and that his survival was miraculous.
The medical team in the high dependency unit warned his family members that his survival overnight was in doubt. They also cautioned him that if he continued smoking in any form, he might need an oxygen tank permanently.
Throughout his life, Danan was open about his battles with substance addiction. He attended rehabilitation centers 17 times and reportedly spent about $1.25 million on treatments. At one point, a relapse related to COVID-19 led to him living on the streets. Despite repeat relapses, he remained committed to maintaining sobriety.
In response to his personal experiences, Danan founded Morning After Drama in 2020. This therapy program, which uses acting to help individuals cope with mental health, addiction, and trauma-related issues, was specifically targeted at young people, recovering addicts, and ex-prisoners.
Recently, Danan had been fundraising through GoFundMe, aiming to raise $6,300 for his Our Morning After Drama Group. This group was described as a supportive environment for individuals dealing with low self-esteem and other personal difficulties. Just a month before his death, he made a public appeal for support for this initiative.
Danan continued to make television appearances in recent years. In 2022, he was on “Celebrity Coach Trip,” an experience he later said had deeply affected him. His fellow contestants’ rejection on the show led him to seek counseling.
In the wake of the announcement of his death, many celebrities paid tribute to Danan. “Big Brother” star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace expressed her shock and sadness, remembering the happy times they had shared. Calum Best, Dean Gaffney, and Michael Greco also paid tribute, remembering Danan as genuine, caring, and funny, with a heart of gold.
Just a week before his death, Danan had posted an audition video on his official Instagram account. In it, he performed a reading for the role of Orsino in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” which he described as a beautiful and exhilarating experience.
Danan is survived by his eight-year-old son, Deniro. His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.