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Former Hollyoaks star and reality TV favourite Paul Danan died as a result of a lethal combination of prescribed and illicit drugs, a coroner has officially confirmed.
The actor, who rose to fame in the late 1990s playing Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap, passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of just 46. He was found unresponsive at his home, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow stars of both the small screen and stage.
An inquest into his death was opened in March at Avon Coroner’s Court, with the full hearing now having reached its conclusion. Assistant Coroner Debbie Rookes ruled that Danan’s death was not a suicide, stating that there was no evidence he had intended to end his life.
The official cause of death was listed as the combined toxicity of several substances, both legal and illegal. This included heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine, and zopiclone, with additional contributing factors from benzodiazepine use.
Danan found fame on Hollyoaks. Credit: Tim Roney/Getty Images
While Danan had long been open about his personal struggles with addiction and mental health, the final coroner’s report paints a heartbreaking picture of a man who had battled demons but had not intended for his life to end.
Best known for his explosive role in Hollyoaks, Danan quickly became a household name in the UK during the early 2000s, later appearing on reality TV hits like Celebrity Love Island, where his unpredictable behaviour made headlines, and Celebrity Big Brother’s spin-off series Big Brother’s Bit on the Side. Despite the tabloid controversies, Danan remained a popular and charismatic figure in British pop culture.
Following his passing, tributes flooded social media. Many remembered him not just for his memorable performances and fiery TV moments, but also for his vulnerability and his efforts to turn his life around. In recent years, Danan had spoken candidly about entering rehab, working in the theatre, and mentoring others going through recovery.
He later took part in Celebrity Love Island. Credit: ITV
The tragic confirmation of his cause of death brings closure to a painful chapter for his friends, family, and fans. While his struggles were very public, so too was his resilience, and for many, Paul Danan will be remembered as a talented actor who tried his best to fight back against his personal challenges.
He leaves behind a son, family, and countless fans who will remember his energy, talent, and complexity.
