Late Hollyoaks star Paul Danan revealed that he was once cast in a major Hollywood film in his final interview, recorded prior to his death aged 46.
The actor, who played Sol Patrick in the Channel 4 soap between 1997 and 2001, passed away last month.
His management confirmed the sad news in a statement, 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.’
The police later confirmed they are not treating Paul’s death as suspicious.
His funeral, attended by his former Hollyoaks co-star Terri Dwyer and Boyzone singer Shane Lynch took place at Waltham Abbey in Essex six days later.
Shortly before Paul’s tragic death, he told the Outlet Ten Discussions Podcast that he had been cast in the 2003 film Cheaper By The Dozen.
The comedy, which starred Steve Martin and Hilary Duff, followed a father raising his 12 children whilst also working as a football coach.
Unfortunately, director Shawn Levy replaced Paul with That ’70s Show star Ashton Kutcher.
‘I got this Steve Martin film, called Cheaper by the Dozen – I was going to play the boyfriend of the daughter, they gave me the part, but then the director bumped into Ashton Kutcher!’ Paul says in the interview.
‘He’d just done Just Married with Brittany Murphy and he [director] said, “oh, I’ve got this English guy, but if you want to do it, Ashton, you can?”
‘And [Ashton] went, “yeah, man, I’ll do you a favour.” And [production] phoned me and they said, “Paul we’re really sorry, we know we said that, you know we loved you, but it’s Ashton Kutcher, for f**k’s sake!”‘
He went on to detail the difficulties he faced in the aftermath of his replacement.
‘I was meant to work with Steve Martin! My mum loved him, I phoned her and said, “guess f***ing what? I’ve done it!” You know?
‘It did get me down and out – there there’s a lot of drugs, there’s a lot of partying, and there’s a lot of gym and wellness and fit people and everyone looks amazing, and I just was on my own.
‘I didn’t have anyone and I was so lonely and it was hard man.’
After leaving ‘Oaks, Paul starred in a string of reality TV roles – including the original version of Love Island, Celebrity Big Brother and more recently, Celebrity Coach Trip.
During the podcast, he also noted his attempts to reprise his Sol Patrick role, before accepting that TV bosses didn’t want him back.
‘I was upset at first, but actually I got it, because I know that they knew I wasn’t always that great, and maybe they were worried.’
‘I don’t f***ing know the reason, they kept saying, “oh, there’s no storyline’” in the end I stopped asking, knocking on the door, and it’s like listen, that’s done.’
At the end of January, it was revealed that a reality return could’ve been on the cards in the next series of First Dates.
The show, fronted by French maître d’ Fred Sirieix sees couples attempt to find love on a blind date.
A source told The Sun: ‘Paul was feeling so excited about the future again and optimistic about finding someone he could share the rest of his life with.
‘He loved being on telly and First Dates seemed like a great opportunity to get back onto the dating scene.
‘Obviously producers were really keen to sign him up knowing how popular he was and they were in discussions about him joining the next series.
‘He would have been brilliant on a date in the famous restaurant – with a real chance of finding love.’
Paul is survived by his son DeNiro, with close friends set up a JustGiving fundraiser to support the nine year old following his father’s death.
