Exclusive: Paul Danan’s celebrity friends devastated as they’re forced to miss funeral

Paul Danan tragically died aged 46 (Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Paul Danan’s friends were left devastated after being forced to miss his funeral.

The late Hollyoaks actor died aged 46, his manager announced last week. An ambulance was called to a property in Bristol where he had been staying on Wednesday night. However, Paul was declared dead on arrival by the medics. It later emerged that the noughties star had “slipped and fell” at the property.

Announcing his death, Paul’s management team described him as a “beacon of light.” Today, the star was laid to rest surrounded by his friends and family in Waltham Abbey, Essex. However, some of Paul’s friends were unable to attend the mass due to a heavy build up of traffic in the area.

Telly presenter, Lizzie Cundy, was one of the mourners who expressed her heartbreak after being delayed. She had appeared on The Jeremy Vine Show earlier on Tuesday before rapidly attempting to get over to the ceremony but was plagued by traffic.

Lizzie Cundy has paid tribute to pal Paul Danan who she said had the ‘biggest heart

Lizzie had been on her way to the funeral of Paul but was hit by ‘horrific’ travel ( Image: Mattpapz / BACKGRID)

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Lizzie, was sounded devastated said: “I got changed just after The Jeremy Vine Show, Paul was such a dear friend and I wanted to be there to pay my respects because he was such a lovely guy with the biggest heart as we all know.

“The traffic getting to Waltham Abbey is just utterly horrific and gridlocked, so many of us are going to miss paying our respects to such a loving man. It’s so upsetting. Paul always had the biggest smile when we were around him and he never failed to bring such joy to everybody. His loss will be felt by everybody.

Confirming his sad death, Paul’s team said: “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.” Avon and Somerset Police made a further statement: “Officers attended a property in Brislington, Bristol, at around 5.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 15 January) where sadly a man in his 40s was declared deceased by paramedics.

“His family have been notified and our thoughts are with them. 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.” Since Paul’s death, a fundraiser has been set up to “make his son’s journey a little bit easier”. The JustGiving page has already raised more than £6,000 towards its £10,000 target, with over 200 supporters having donated so far.

They described their “unique” friend as the most “extra” person, adding that his family have been left “devastated”, and say they hope to raise £10,000. The tribute on the page reads: “There was NO ONE like Pauly. His excitement and vitality for life were magnetic. He was warm, kind, funny – actually hilarious, vulnerable, self-deprecating and captivating.

“Being his friend was a visceral experience, and I defy anyone to close their eyes and picture Pauly with anything but that huge, cheeky, dimpled smile. NEVER one to conform or do anything in an expected or generic way, Paul really was the most ‘Extra’ and unique person you could ever meet.”

Touching on Paul’s well-documented issues with addiction, they continued: “It’s no secret that he struggled and lost his way at times, but in his true essence, the REAL Pauly, would do anything for anyone no matter what. Whether you knew him from school, Hollyoaks, Love Island, CBB, his rehab journey, or you were just lucky enough to cross paths, he’s sure to have left a gaping Pauly-shaped hole in your heart right now. But he has also left behind a 9 year-old son – DeNiro, and a devastated family.”

The description signed off: “This page has been set up in Paul’s memory, to make his son’s journey a little bit easier. Please give what you can xxx.”