Hollyoaks star Paul Danan has died at the age of 46.
He played bad boy Sol Patrick in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He later appeared on the celebrity versions of Love Island and Big Brother.
Announcing his death, Danan’s management said in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan 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.”
Danan’s last post on his official Instagram page was a short video audition for the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, in which he was reading for the role of Orsino. He posted it one week ago, commenting on how “beautiful and exhilarating it is” to get stuck into new work.
DJ Fat Tony was one of the first to pay tribute, calling him “one of the sweetest men,” saying Danan’s death at such a young age “hurts so bad”.
The actor, who was born in Essex, trained at Italia Conti drama school in Woking.
He joined the cast of Hollyoaks aged 19, and quickly became a fan favourite, remaining on the show for four years. The role he was best known for, he would regularly call for his character’s return to the Channel 4 teen soap opera.
He later began the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which lasted from 2019 until 2023.
Danan had appeared twice as a contestant on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, but did not win either series.
In 2017, he took part in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother, where he was evicted early. He said at the time he hoped the series would give him a “second chance” at his career.
He’d also appeared on shows including E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip, and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.
He also had a role on CBBC show The Queen’s Nose, playing Melody’s agent Max.
Danan had spoken openly about his issues with substance abuse and poor mental health, and told The Sun a relapse over lockdown had left him homeless.
He went on to set up a theatre company called Morning After Drama in Bristol, offering free workshops to vulnerable groups.
Danan had also planned to set up a linked charity, The Other Side Of Morning CIC to offer community projects around the country. He had shared news about the charity on TikTok in late December.
Danan leaves behind his nine-year old son, Deniro.
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