Paul Danan – beloved for his portrayal of Sol Patrick on the hit soap Hollyoaks – has sadly passed away at the age of 46, his management company confirmed.
The devastating news comes a year after the actor opening up about “miraculously” surviving a severe health scare last year.
In a heartfelt statement, Independent Creative Management shared, per BBC News: “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 management team added: “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.”
A Career in the Spotlight
The actor starred on the popular Channel 4 soap from 1997 to 2001, before venturing into other media projects.
Danan was well-known for his reality TV appearances, including stints on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
While Danan expressed a desire to return to Hollyoaks, his character Sol was last seen fleeing the village with Jess Holt more than two decades ago.
More recently, Danan hosted The Morning After With Paul Danan, a podcast that ran from 2019 until 2023. He also appeared on E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip and the Channel 4 sketch show The Kevin Bishop Show.
Health Struggles
In 2023, Danan opened up about his health challenges after being hospitalized with pneumonia and placed in intensive care. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, he revealed that medical staff urged him to stop using nicotine in all forms.
Although he had quit cigarettes, Danan admitted to becoming “obsessed” with disposable vapes.
“I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here,” he tragically said at the time. “I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed.”
“The doctor was so, so harsh with me,” Danan continued. “She told me, ‘Paul, you don’t know how serious this was and you are going to be in here for a while now, on this oxygen’.
“She said if I ever smoke in any form again I risk being linked to an oxygen tank later on in life. She said that’s it now.
“After years of smoking cigarettes and all sorts, it’s the vaping which has done me in. That pushed me over the edge.”
The entertainment industry and fans alike mourn the loss of a star whose talent and charisma left a lasting impression. Danan’s contribution to British television will be remembered, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Further details regarding his passing have not yet been disclosed.