Paul Danan, “Hollyoaks” and“ Celebrity Love Island” star, dies at 46

Paul Danan, the British actor and reality star best known for playing Solomon “Sol” Patrick on the long-running sudser Hollyoaks, has died. He was 46.

The actor’s reps at Independent Creative Management confirmed the news in an Instagram statement on Thursday. A cause of death was not disclosed. 

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old,” it read. “Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.”

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The statement continued, “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.” 

An Essex native, Danan rose to prominence portraying Sol — the adopted son of Jill Patrick (Lynda Rooke) — on Hollyoaks from 1997 until 2001. His performance as the troubled teenager landed him a Best Actor nomination at the Inside Soap Awards in 1999. 

Danan would go on to cut his teeth as a young actor in spotlight roles on television shows such as The Queen’s Nose, Casualty, and Adventure Inc, before making the leap to reality television. He appeared on several popular programs including Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Coach Trip, and two seasons of Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006. He also served as a co-presenter on the bowling-theme celebrity chat show Stars and Strikes from 2010 until 2011. 

In 2019, Danan opened up about his struggles with his mental health and substance abuse on The Jeremy Kyle Show, stating that he’d checked into rehab 17 times. He would go on to establish the Morning After Drama theater company, which offers free arts-based workshops to those in active recovery, in 2020.

Last June, Danan revealed in an interview with The Sun that he’d been hospitalized after suffering respiratory failure due to extreme vape use. The actor, who had multiple run-ins with the law, was scheduled to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court this week after being charged with cocaine and cannabis possession, the BBC reports. 

Danan is survived by his son, Deniro.

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