FULL OF HOPE
Paul Danan’s haunting last Instagram video revealed just days before tragic death aged 46
The actor was hospitalised last year after becoming addicted to vaping
PAUL Danan shared a haunting final video on Instagram just days before his tragic death aged 46.
The Love Island and Hollyoaks legend's shock death was announced by his management today on Instagram.
6
6
6
It followed Paul's post last week in which he revealed his passion for acting had been revitalised by the potential of a new role.
He wrote: "Audition for A Twelfth Night to play Orsino.
It's been a long time since I've gone near a bit of the Master that is Our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare.
"You forget what a Genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exhilarating it is when you get stuck in to tackling his work. It's an amazing experience! I forget sometimes how much i need to be awoken..."
Showcasing his acting ability, Paul had a twinkle in his eye as he delivered Shakespeare's lines while perched on a sofa.
READ MORE ON PAUL DANAN
With tousled hair and a neatly-trimmed goatee beard, Paul gazed off camera as he animatedly went to work.
The recital was applauded by his friend Calum Best, while fans declared "he's still got it" and called it "awesome".
News of his death was announced by Independent Creative Pr.
A heartfelt message read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old.
Most read in News TV
"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.
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
Paul Danan dead: Love Island and Hollyoaks star dies aged 46 as emotional tributes pour in
"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."
His longtime friend Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said: "Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I'm so shocked and heartbroken…. my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories RIEP u beautiful amazing talented human."
Paul was best known for playing Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks and for starring in the original series of Celebrity Love Island in 2005.
He had a colourful love life dating the likes of Katie Price, Kelly Brook and a Playboy model, and claimed to have bedded more than 1,000 women.
The TV star previously opened up on how he nearly “died”, over his addiction to vapes.
6
6
6
Paul, who switched to e-cigarettes after years of smoking, said last year it was a “miracle” he is still alive after he collapsed at his parent’s home and was rushed to hospital.
The actor set up a drama school for people struggling with addiction after landing a lottery grant in 2023.
In 2022, Paul starred on Celebrity Coach trip, which he later revealed left him needing therapy.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The show typically sees contestants voted off the coach by the other participants, and Paul admitted that he found the process "brutal".
He said of the experience: "I had to get a bit of counselling. It taps into a lot of stuff – like rejection. It’s brutal."
Behind the headlines, Paul was a sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy
BY Oliver Grady, Assistant Showbiz Editor
Paul Danan may have grabbed his share of column inches over his all too short 46 years, from his colourful love life to his well-documented struggles with addiction, but behind the headlines, there was a very sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy.
I’ve met and spoken with Paul many times over the years and have always had a soft spot for him. He was funny, articulate, smart and great company.
Yes, he had his demons, but he was very open about them and was always striving to be a better version of himself.
He was extremely proud of his theatre company, The Morning After, which he set up to help fellow addicts work through their trauma through drama and acting.
While he seemed lost at times, and on several occasions opened up to me about his struggle to be taken seriously in the industry after his private life exploits overshadowed his professional accomplishments, he clearly found a purpose in supporting others and helping them stay on the path of recovery.
There was only one thing Paul was prouder of than his recovery and his theatre company, and that was his son DeNiro.
Paul lit up when he spoke about his boy, and looked forward to spending the weekends with him as he co-parented with the lad’s mum.
His whatsapp photo was him beaming with DeNiro, and he loved to talk about his offspring’s accomplishments and his hopes for his future.
It breaks my heart that DeNiro now has to go through the rest of his life without his dad, and Paul will never see him grow up.
I last heard from Paul at Christmas, when he left me a voicenote saying he had some exciting things planned for 2025.
I told him we’d catch up in the New Year, but sadly we never got the chance to.
I’ll miss you Paul. You were one of life’s good ones.
Topics