‘He didn’t mean to die’ says Paul Danan’s brother in heartbreaking revelation about relapse before death
PAUL Danan’s brother has spoken about the TV star’s final weeks before his death earlier this year.
The former Hollyoaks and Love Island star, 46, was discovered unresponsive at his apartment in Bristol in January, with the cause of death being ruled as a “combined toxicity” of drugs, including heroin, methadone and cocaine.
Now, his older brother Jamie has opened up about what a “sweetheart” Paul was, describing him as “a sweet, lovely guy”.
Jamie has organised a charity football match this weekend in honour of his brother to be hosted by Fattys Bar in Essex.
“He drove me mad sometimes but I loved him so much,” Jamie told The Mirror.
“He was just a genuine sweetheart. There was less than two years between us. It’s kind of like losing my twin.”
Jamie added: “It’s still raw. I’m genuinely very broken by this, I’m not gonna lie. It’s just surreal.”
Paul’s brother opened up on his final weeks, including being sober at a Prodigy gig in London just weeks before his death from drug misuse.
“I had probably my best night out with him,” Jamie said.
“He was totally clean. He was very close with Liam from Prodigy. He was sort of like an honorary member in some ways.”
Jamie added: “It was amazing, but, sadly, he couldn’t maintain his clean time.”
Jamie says Paul started taking drugs again at Christmas. “I had a little go at him, like a big brother would do,” he says.
“It’s frustrating, but it is how it is. I thought that he’d bounce back again, as he always tended to. But it just wasn’t to be this time, unfortunately.”
He attributed Paul’s lifelong drug misuse to being “troubled” and that’s why “he relied on drink and drugs”.
“That pressure was just taken off him in the end. He certainly didn’t mean to die. Just whatever happened, happened, unfortunately.”
Jamie explained that those who have experienced addiction in their families could relate to his sentiments and they had always hoped Paul would “overcome” his demons.
Paul rose to fame in 1997 playing badboy Sol Patrick on Hollyoaks for four years.
He was also a contestant on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006.
Paul’s other TV appearances included, Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Coach Trip and sketch show, The Kevin Bishop Show.
GETTING HELP:
If you think that you have a drug addiction then please contact your GP.
You can also visit FRANK for honest information about drugs and to find local treatment services.
If you are having trouble finding the right help, call the FRANK drugs helpline on 03001236600
Or click here to visit the NHS website for more advice and support