Tributes have been flooding in for Paul Danan after it was announced on Thursday that he has died at the age of 46.
The actor was best known for his role on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, before appearing on the reality series Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.
A statement shared by Paul’s management and acting agents 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.’
Among the first to share his condolonces was EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney, who wrote that Paul had a ‘heart of gold’.
Tributes have been flooding in for Paul Danan after it was announced on Thursday that he has died at the age of 46 (pictured in September 2021)
Katie Price took to Instagram to pay tribute to her close friend, writing that she is ‘speechless and shocked’ by the news (pictured together in 2017)
He took to his Instagram stories and shared a photo of the soap actor, alongside the caption: ‘You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold… RIP Mr Paul Danan.’
Katie Price took to Instagram to pay tribute to her close friend, writing that she is ‘speechless and shocked’ by the news.
Paul has previously talked about his 2017 date with Katie, who instead went on to be a close friend instead of a romantic interest.
He claimed that Katie brought along another man to what he thought was a date, adding: ‘All these years later she says she was probably a bit shy so she wanted someone with her. I took it to heart, as I thought she wasn’t interested.’
Calum Best, who starred in the original Celebrity Love Island alongside Paul in 2006, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram as he called his friend one of the ‘most authentic people’ he’s ever known.
They also starred together in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw them travel across the US together.
Alongside a slew of throwback pictures from both shows, Calum quipped: ‘From the OG love island…to Calum , Fran and dangerous danan to all these years later staying mates and attending an event recently supporting people in sobriety.
‘Paul was one of the funniest, kindest, and most authentic people I’ve 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 many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.’
Paul has previously yalked about his 2017 date with Katie, who instead went on to be a close friend instead of a romantic interest
Calum Best, who starred in the original Celebrity Love Island alongside Paul in 2006, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram (the duo picturedf together with Fran Cosgrave)
He wrote: ‘We shared many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother’
They also starred together in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw them travel across the US together
Pictured L-R: Liz Mcclarnon, Lee Sharpe, Lady Isabella Hervey, Nikki Ziering, Winners Fran Cosgrave and Jayne Middlemiss, Calum Best, Paul Danan, Rebecca Loos and Abi Titmus on Celebrity Love Island
Among the first to share his condolonces was EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney , who wrote that Paul had a ‘heart of gold’
Dean took to his Instagram stories and wrote: ‘You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold… RIP Mr Paul Danan’ (Dean pictured)
Imogen Thomas was another Big Brother star to pay tribute to Paul, as she shared a sweet photo of them together and called him a ‘lovely man’
Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace also took to social media to express her ‘heartbreak’ and pay tribute to her friend
Aisleyne (above) wrote: ‘Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken… my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories’
Fellow soap star Michael Greco, who portays Beppe di Marco in EastEnders, also took to X to share a heartfelt message
Paul Danan and Michael Greco pictured together (far left) on Celebrity Love Island in 2005
Music star DJ Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, shared a tribute on Instagram as he penned: ‘This hurts so bad god bless you Paul one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met what a sad day x.
Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace also took to social media to express her ‘heartbreak’ and pay tribute to her friend.
She wrote: ‘Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken… my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories. RIEP u beautiful amazing talented human. I’m so very sorry.’
Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey also commented on Aisleyne’s post: ‘This is so sad.’
Ex EastEnders actor Michael Greco praised Paul for being a ‘genuine and caring man’ in a world of ‘falsities and fake people’.
He wrote on X: ‘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’.
He wrote on X: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Paul Danan. We worked together on the film ‘one man and his dog’ a few years ago he was a very bubbly young man. Condolences go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.’
Music star DJ Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, shared a tribute on Instagram as he penned: ‘This hurts so bad god bless you Paul one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met what a sad day x.’
And former darts ace Bobby George remembered Paul as a ‘very bubbly young man’, after starring alongside him in 2004 film ‘One Man and His Dog’.
Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent in Coronation Street, replied to the post with: So sad, he was such a lovely lad.’
Fellow soap star Michael Greco, who portays Beppe di Marco in EastEnders, also took to X to share a heartfelt message.
He 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.’
Imogen Thomas was another Big Brother star to pay tribute to Paul, as she shared a sweet photo of them together and called him a ‘lovely man’.
Taking to her Instagram stories, she quipped: ‘So shocked and saddened to hear the death of the lovely Paul Danan. You were a great man. RIP you lovely soul.’
TV presenter Hayley Palmer also shared a sweet picture of herself and Paul as she emotionally wrote that she will ‘love him forever’.
TV presenter Hayley Palmer also shared a sweet picture of herself and Paul as she emotionally wrote that she will ‘love him forever’
She later took to X to share that she’s in ‘absolute bits and reveal that she only spoke to the late star a few weeks ago
Former darts ace Bobby George remembered Paul as a ‘very bubbly young man’
GB News panellist Adam Brooks also took to X to pay tribute
A Place In The Sun host Jean Johansson quipped that Paul was ‘always kind and funny’ alongside a throwback snap of the actor
Ex-TalkRadio host Iain Lee expressed his shock at the tragic news and shared that Paul was ‘incredibly helpful to him when he relapsed’
Prior to his death, Paul had been running his Morning After Drama group and prison workshops which help those struggling with addiction and mental health issues
The actor previously starred as Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 1997 to 2001
Paul’s death was announced in a statement released by his management
Reminiscing on their memories, she wrote: ‘We’d listen to your favourite song on repeat in your car. Will remind me of you forever,’ with Rain Or Shine by Five Star playing in the background.
She later took to X to share that she’s in ‘absolute bits and reveal that she only spoke to the late star a few weeks ago.
Hayley quipped: ‘I’m in absolute bits Love you forever Paul Danan I can’t even believe the news.. I only spoke to Paul a couple of weeks ago!
‘He invited me to a Prodigy Concert and I said ‘Paulieeee that’s not really my thing!.. and he said I knewwww it wouldn’t be!!!!!!’
‘Paul was a one off character, he was soooo funny! We were great friends and did a Radio Show on Love Sport Radio together and I would fall off my chair with laughter! …. and he was one of the first to reach out to me when I wasn’t in a good place last year.’
She poignantly added: ‘Last message he said love you and I said love you back x
Ex-TalkRadio host Iain Lee expressed his shock at the tragic news and shared that Paul was ‘incredibly helpful to him when he relapsed’.
He wrote: ‘F*** me. Now Paul Danan. I knew Paul a little bit although we hadn’t spoken in a while. He was incredibly helpful to me when I relapsed. F****** hell. What a s*** week.’
A Place In The Sun host Jean Johansson quipped that Paul was ‘always kind and funny’ alongside a throwback snap of the actor.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Paul appeared on the ITV reality series Celebrity Love Island, where he made headlines with his raucous antics
In June, Paul revealed that he was brought back to life after his ‘obsessive’ vape usage caused respiratory failure
His last Instagram post, shared on January 9, showed Paul filming himself performing a scene from the William Shakespear paly Twelfth Night
‘It’s an amazing experience! I forget sometimes how much i need to be awoken…
GB News panellist Adam Brooks also took to X, writing: ‘Just seen this, I only spoke to him a few weeks ago, he was a lovely soul.’
Paul previously struggled with drug addiction, overdosing on heroin after returning from a stint in rehab, and in June he revealed that he was given CPR by his family after his ‘obsessive’ vape usage caused respiratory failure.
He also has a son named Deniro, who was born in September 2015.
His last Instagram post, shared on January 9, showed Paul filming himself performing a scene from the William Shakespear paly Twelfth Night.
‘You forget what a Genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exhilarating it is when you get stuck in to tackling his work.
In December, Paul also hosted a TikTok Live where he discussed his struggles with mental health, in a bid to raise money for his charity The Other Side Of Morning CIC, which aimed to build ‘more community projects around the UK for people struggling with their mental health.’
Paul had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a ‘quantity’ of cannabis, according to court documents.
He was also accused of driving whilst under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year in Warrington, Cheshire.
