Tragic Revelation: Details of Hollyoaks Actor's Untimely Passing Unveiled
Hollyoaks and reality TV star Paul Danan passed away due to a mix of drugs, including cocaine and heroin. The actor, 36, played bad boy Sol Patrick from 1997 to 2001 on theChannel 4soap. He was later known for his reality TV appearances, including onCelebrity Big Brotherand Celebrity Love Island.
Details of the Inquest
An inquest into Danan's death was opened and adjourned before Maria Voisin, senior coroner for Avon, at Avon Coroner's Court on Tuesday morning. Coroner's officer Alexis Camp told the hearing that Danan was pronounced dead at his home in Brislington, Bristol, at 5.20pm on January 15. His body was identified at the scene by his partner, Melissa Crooks.
Provisional Cause of Death
The court heard that the provisional cause of Danan's death is combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine and zopiclone, contributed to by benzodiazepine use. Ms Camp added: "I understand there are no family concerns." Statements will be taken from Danan's GP, family, police, the ambulance service and inquiries are ongoing with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health PartnershipNHSTrust (AWP), she said. Ms Camp said: "No note was left." The coroner set a provisional date of May 28 for Danan's full inquest hearing.
Struggles and Career Highlights
Danan had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates' Court on January 16 after being charged with being in possession of cocaine and cannabis, according to court documents. He was also accused of driving whilst under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year, in Warrington, Cheshire. Danan had been open about his struggles with addiction, with entering rehab and trying to recover. The inquest heard he was an actor and had been born on July 2 1978 in Leytonstone, east London. He was living at Long Fox Manor on the Bath Road in Brislington at the time of his death.
Remembering Paul Danan
EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney also paid tribute, saying on Instagram story that Danan "had a heart of gold". In 2017, Danan took part in Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, when he was evicted early, and said at the time he hoped the series would give him a "second chance" at his career. He regularly called for his return to Hollyoaks and later began the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which lasted from 2019 until 2023.
Legacy and Impact
A statement on X from the Hollyoaks account said: "Paul brought to life Sol's journey from teenage tearaway to leading man with such charm and heart that no matter what trouble Sol was in, you were always on his side. "It is a testament to Paul that his character is held with such great affection." In 2020 he started a drama workshop, Morning After Drama, which grew from online sessions during the pandemic to workshops in London, Oxford and the South West. His other appearances included on E4's Celebrity Coach Trip and Channel 4 sketch comedy programme The Kevin Bishop Show. Danan discussed his substance abuse and recovery on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019, which he said began when he was a teenager.