Police issue Paul Danan update after death of Hollyoaks and Love Island star
Police have issued an update on the death of actor Paul Danan. The Hollyoaks star's death was announced by his management team on Thursday.
It later emerged the actor was due to appear before magistrates in Warrington after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine. He was also accused of possessing a 'quantity' of cannabis, according to court documents.
He was facing additional charges of driving whilst under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year in Warrington, Cheshire. Now police have given an update on the star's death.
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Avon and Somerset Police said on Thursday: "Officers attended a property in Brislington, Bristol, at around 5.20pm yesterday 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."
Tributes have been paid to the actor after news of his death emerged on Thursday. Calum Best, son of footballer George Best, appeared with him on Celebrity Love Island and in an ITV travelogue series titled Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan in which the pair travelled in the US with Westlife’s former bodyguard Fran Cosgrave.
He said: “Paul was one of the funniest, kindest, and most real people I’ve ever known – truly a creative genius too. Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us.
“We shared so many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.”
EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney paid tribute to Paul Danan in an Instagram story, saying: “You had your demons, but my god you had a heart of gold, RIP Mr Paul Danan.”
Earlier the news of his death was broken by his management team. In a statement Independent Creative Management said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan 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.”
His death comes months after he was rushed to hospital as a result of his vaping obsession. He spent a week in intensive care and had pneumonia during his stay at Whipps Cross Hospital in East London.
Writing on Instagram in June last year he told how he had nearly died after collapsing weeks earlier. He 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."
He added: "I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned that I might not make it through the night. I'm so lucky."
The star was told his vaping, following years of cigarette smoking, was the reason for his life-threatening condition. He said the doctor was "harsh" with him and told him how serious it was, warning him that if he ever smoked again he could be linked to an oxygen tank later in life.
Danan came to fame through his role in Hollyoaks. He appeared on Celebrity Love Island in both 2005 and 2006, but failed to 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 regularly called for his return to Hollyoaks, and later began the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which lasted from 2019 until 2023. His other appearances included E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip, and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.
