Inside Paul Danan’s tragic battle to beat vape ‘obsession’ & drug demons as Hollyoaks and Love Island star dies aged 46
PAUL Danan struggled with his health for years prior to his death aged 46.
The tragic death of the ex-Love Island and Hollyoaks star was announced on Instagram this morning.
It comes after he faced health battles including a vape addiction and relapsing during the Covid lockdowns.
Paul battled a history of cocaine addiction and previously revealed how he had been to rehab 17 times.
In June last year, he also told of how he had to be brought back to life after suffering respiratory failure triggered by his addiction to vapes.
Paul took up the habit after years of smoking, before collapsing and being given CPR as he was rushed to hospital.
He then spent a week in intensive care, where he contracted pneumonia.
During an appearance on The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, Paul told of how he had sought therapy over his health struggles as he continually relapsed.
Paul Danan has died aged just 46 – here’s a look back at his life…
- Paul revealed he nearly died from vape addiction just six months ago
- The former Love Islander took on a surprising new career 22 years after leaving Hollyoaks
- Paul’s health struggles are revealed including vape addiction and heroin overdose
- His haunting final Instagram post revealed he was auditioning for new roles
- The showbiz world reacts to the news Paul Danan has died aged 46 as tributes pour in
- Inside Paul’s charity mission to raise £5k for those struggling with addiction & mental health issues
- Tragic Paul’s love life included dates with Kelly Brook to Playboy model and Katie Price
Speaking at the time, he said: “I’ve had 17 stints in rehab. They do work. They’re amazing.
“They’ve saved my life many times but it’s maintenance and it’s about sustaining that recovery and not putting anything before that recovery – even my little boy, who I love to death.”
In August 2017, Paul told of how he died and was brought back to life after snorting heroin.
He would have lost his life had his mum not heard him gasping for breath in his bedroom and called for an ambulance.
Paul said: “My mum found me in my bed and I was making these weird noises and choking on my last breath.
“The ambulance was down the road thankfully, but by the time they arrived I was dead and they brought me back to life.”
He revealed how his battles stemmed from a motorbike accident in 2010 that saw him develop an addiction to painkillers.
Paul had been in and out of rehab as early as 2006 and 2007, but said the accident caused him to spiral.
Following appearances on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Coach Trip, Paul then opened up on how he shouldn’t have been allowed to take part in reality TV shows.
After being shown a clip of himself drunkenly fighting with Calum Best during the one-off series Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan, he said: “I should never have done any of those shows really because I wasn’t well. I’m not well.”
It comes as a heartfelt message announcing his death today read: “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. No further comments will be made at this time.”
Paul made his name on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks as tearaway teen Sol Patrick between 1997 and 2001.
He then featured in Celebrity Love Island, before securing his own ITV series with his co-stars Calum Best and Fran Cosgrave.
Paul had a break from TV while he battled with his drink and drug addiction, but made a comeback in 2017 as he starred in Celebrity Big Brother.
The star also made an appearance on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2022.
He then setup a drama school especially for people struggling with addiction after landing a lottery grant in 2023.
He regularly called for a return to Hollyoaks, and later began the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which lasted from 2019 until 2023.
Other appearances included the Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show.
DJ Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, paid tribute on Instagram writing that Paul was “one of the sweetest men”.
Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace wrote: “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.”