Former Hollyoaks star Paul Danan – whose death was announced this morning – was due to appear in court for drugs charges today, it has been revealed.
The star portrayed Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap between 1997 and 2001, and went onto appear in Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.
His management confirmed the news this morning, writing: ‘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.’
As tributes from across the showbiz world fly in, including from his former colleagues at the Channel 4 soap, Metro has seen a court listing for his scheduled appearance at Warrington Magistrates’ Court in Cheshire today.
The plea hearings were for two counts of possession of Class A drug cocaine – and one count of driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs.
Danan had been charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a ‘quantity’ of cannabis whilst driving a blue Fiat 500 in Warrington on October 2nd.Paul had opened up about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction on a number of occasions, but had previously said that he had been clean for more than three years.Last year he revealed that he had to receive CPR in a touch-and-go moment.
Recalling the events, Paul said: ‘I’m upstairs, puffing away on my vape, then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed.
‘My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital.
‘I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky.’
Following his collapse, medics informed Paul that it was caused by his e-cigarette habit.
‘The doctor was so, so harsh with me. She told me, “Paul, you don’t know how serious this was and you are going to be in here for a while now, on this oxygen.”
‘She said if I ever smoke in any form again, I risk being linked to an oxygen tank later on in life. She said that’s it now.’
Paul, who began smoking several years ago, said vaping ‘pushed [him] over the edge’, despite him initially wrongly believing it was a ‘safer way to smoke’.
His Hollyoaks character was the adoptive son of Jill Patrick and arrived in the village around the same time as his siblings Gina and Kate.
In 1999, Sol was sentenced to four weeks behind bars for dangerous driving, an act that very nearly killed Jill.
After time in prison, Sol lived on the streets, and even started squatting in a house. He was found in a warehouse by Lewis Richardson, who allowed him to stay in exchange for pretending to be security.
Also in 2000, Sol received news that Jill had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. He left Hollyoaks in 2001 and fled the country alongside Jess, who he met shortly after leaving prison.
Paul’s former co-star Ashley Taylor-Dawson led tributes, writing: ‘Shocked to hear that my old bro Paul has passed away.’
Alongside a photo of his ‘Oaks days, he continued: ‘This is how I will always remember him… SOL FOREVER. Love to all the family!!’
Stephanie Waring, who appeared alongside him as Cindy Cunningham added: ‘This will take a while to process. Rest in peace.’
Before his death, he was running a drama group and prison workshops for inmates with addiction and mental health issues.
Former EastEnders star Dean Gaffney also remembered the star, writing: ‘You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold… RIP Mr Paul Danan.’
Michael Greco, who played Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap wrote: ‘So, so sad to read about the passing of Paul Danan.
‘In this day and age of falsities and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone.
‘A lovely warm man that will be missed by many. R.I.P. Buddy.’
Big Brother 7 housemate Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said: ‘Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken…. my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories. RIP u beautiful amazing talented human.’
Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey commented: ‘This is so sad.’
Amelia Lily, who found fame on The X Factor and MTV reality show Geordie Shore shared: ‘Absolutely gutted. Paul you were always so lovely to me and it was a pleasure spending the time I did with you. Sending love to all your family at this difficult time.’
Paul trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, and had a string of reality TV roles following his soap exit, including presenting work on ITV2’s Test Drive My Girlfriend.
Following his Love Island success, he traveled from Texas to Los Angeles on America’s Route 66 with co-stars Calum Best and Fran Cosgrave in documentary series Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan.
In 2022 he appeared on Celebrity Coach Trip with Team GB athlete Ashley McKenzie.
Paul is survived by his son Deniro, who was born in September 2015.
