Paul Danan, the actor known for his role as Sol Patrick on Hollyoaks and his appearances on reality TV shows like Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother, has tragically passed away at the age of 46. His death was confirmed by his management on January 16, 2025, though the cause has not been made public. Avon and Somerset Police have stated that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
In the wake of his passing, many of Danan’s colleagues and friends from the entertainment world have shared heartfelt tributes. Michael Greco, a former EastEnders actor, remembered him as a “genuine and caring man.” Calum Best, who worked with Danan on the 2006 ITV2 series Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan, described him as one of the funniest, kindest, and most authentic people he ever knew. TV presenter Hayley Palmer also posted a touching tribute on social media, calling him “a one-off character” and recalling the times they worked together on a radio show, where he always had her in stitches.
Danan first rose to fame in 1997 when he played Sol Patrick on Hollyoaks. His portrayal of the rebellious yet lovable teen made him a fan favorite. Richard Burke, a long-time writer for Hollyoaks, remembered Danan as an icon of the show, saying he brought both charm and heart to his character. After leaving the soap in 2001, Danan moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in acting but struggled with the pressures of Hollywood life and partying. He eventually returned to the UK and appeared on several reality TV shows, including Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
Despite his success in reality TV, Danan sometimes found it difficult to be taken seriously as an actor. He once shared that many people only saw him as the guy from those reality shows, saying, “They see me as Paul from Celebrity Love Island or Celebrity Big Brother,” and expressed that he felt he was much more versatile than that.
In recent years, Danan focused on giving back to others. He launched drama classes in Bristol designed to help adults dealing with mental health issues, addiction, or trauma. He spoke passionately about how the program had changed people’s lives, saying, “It’s been amazing, and honestly, I’ve changed people’s lives.” Even with his personal struggles, including a battle with addiction and serious health issues, Danan remained dedicated to helping others. He had previously opened up about spending over £1 million on rehabilitation after battling drug addiction. In 2020, he made headlines after being hospitalized with pneumonia, a result of his long struggle with smoking and vaping.
Despite facing so many challenges, Danan’s legacy will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and the positive impact he had on the lives of those around him.