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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

Paul Danan – latest tributes: Hollyoaks star’s vaping health battle resurfaces after death

Tributes are pouring in for Paul Danan, the former Hollyoaks star who has died aged 46.

As well as playing Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap, Danan memorably appeared on Celebrity Love Island – the series that launched the Love Island franchise back in 2005.

News of Danan’s death was announced by his team, Independent Creative Pr, who said on Thursday (16 January): “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan.

“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.”

No cause of death has been announced.

Danan’s comments about his e-cigarette health battle has resurfaced in the wake of his death.

Last year, Danan revealed that he almost died after an “obsessive” vape usage caused respiratory failure, forcing his family to bring him back to life by giving him CPR after he lost consciousness at home.

He was rushed to hospital and stayed in ICU with pneumonia as family feared he would not “make it through the night”.

“I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here,” he told The Sun. “I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed. My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital.

Paul Danan revealed he was resuscitated in 2024 (Instagram/pauldanan)

“I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky.”

Key Points

  • Hollyoaks and Love Island star Paul Danan has died, aged 46
  • Paul Danan’s vape health battle resurfaces
11:30 , Jacob Stolworthy

Paul Danan has died, aged 46

Hollyoaks and Love Island star Paul Danan dies, aged 46

Ian Lee shares how Danan helped him

13:11 , Greg Evans

Broadcaster Iain Lee wrote on X/Twitter: “ I knew Paul a little bit although we hadn’t spoken in a while. He was incredibly helpful to me when I relapsed. F**king hell. What a s** week.”

Lady Colin Campbell pays tribute

13:03 , Greg Evans

Socialite Lady Colin Campbell, who knew Danan through Big Brother, has paid tribute to the actor on X/Twitter.

She wrote: “So sorry to see that @pauldanan has died. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He was a capital guy. We first met doing a Big Brother show together, with @KatiePrice on an evening that became memorable for several reasons, from my point of view the chief one being that he introduced me to his agent, David Samuel of @AsmTalent , who became my agent. In my experience, Paul was a kind, considerate, talented young man, and will be missed by many. Godspeed Paul.

Paul Danan’s vape health battle resurfaces

12:02 , Jacob Stolworthy

Paul Danan’s comments about his e-cigarette health battle has resurfaced in the wake of the star’s death.

Last year, Danan revealed that he almost died after an “obsessive” vape usage caused respiratory failure, forcing his family to bring him back to life by giving him CPR after he lost consciousness at home.

He was rushed to hospital and stayed in ICU with pneumonia as family feared he would not “make it through the night”.

“I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here,” he told The Sun. “I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed. My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital.

“I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky.”

Paul Danan in hospital in 2024 (Instagram/pauldanan)

‘Big Brother’ star shares tribute

12:00 , Jacob Stolworthy

Big Brother star Aisleyen 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.”

Boxer Adam Brooks pays tribute

11:47 , Jacob Stolworthy

Boxer Adam Brooks remembered Danan as “a lovely soul”.

Presenter Hayley Palmer shares touching tribute

11:43 , Jacob Stolworthy

Presnter Hayley Palmer said she “is in absolute bits” after hearing the news of Paul Danan’s death.

“U 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!”

Darts player remembers ‘bubbly’ Danan

11:40 , Jacob Stolworthy

Darts player Bobby George said he was “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.”

Ex-’EastEnders’ star pays tribute

11:35 , Jacob Stolworthy

Michael Grecco, who played Beppe in EastEnders, led the tributes to Paul Danan.

“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. RIP Buddy.”

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