HOLLYOAKS legend Paul Danan took on a surprising new career before his tragic death aged 46.
He first hit TV screens 22 years ago on the Channel 4 teen soap before joining the original line up of Love Island in 2005.
He has always been refreshingly open about the highs and lows of his experience on the showbiz merry-go-round.
His health struggles include vape addiction and a heroin overdose.
And most recently admitted he had turned to fixing phones in a bid to make ends meet after TV work dried up.
It comes as...
A statement from his management today said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan 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 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."
Danan originally quit Hollyoaks at the height of his popularity to pursue a film career, but while chasing his Hollywood dream he fell upon hard times, developing a drug addiction which led to spells in rehab.
"I worked in a place called Smashed It, which is where if you drop your iPhone and the screen smashes then we’ll fix it for you," he told MailOnline in November last year.
"I was working there for a bit, probably about 10 years ago and that was just to get a bit of money on the side."
The actor setup a drama school especially for people struggling with addiction after landing a lottery grant, earlier in 2024.
An insider told The Sun at the time: "It's no secret that Paul has battled his demons over the years but now he has channelled all of that into something that can be really proud of.
"He is helping turn lives around by combining both his acting talents and industry knowledge with his own hard won experience of recovery.
"Getting a grant from the lottery is just what the initiative needs to go to the next level and help as many people in the community as possible."
Danan's mission to help those battling drug addiction is detailed on the group's website.
The website explains: "By providing a specifically focused, accessible and non-judgmental opportunity, we engage with groups of individuals with similar experiences to bring them gently out from the shadows and into 'The Morning After’."
"Our trauma informed and intuitive delivery provides a safe, fun and expressive space for people to access support, learn new skills, build confidence, develop tools to strengthen personal wellbeing and discover new positive coping strategies and behaviours through the art of theatre and improvisation."
In 2017, Danan was the fifth contestant evicted from Celebrity Big Brother.
And in 2022, he starred on Celebrity Coach trip, which he later revealed left him needing therapy.
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."
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