Coroners have shared their final rulings regarding the death of Paul Danan , the former Hollyoaks actor and reality TV personality.
The 46-year-old, best known for playing bad boy Sol Patrick on Hollyoaks from 1997 to 2001, was found dead on his sofa at his home in Brislington, Bristol, on January 15.
The Daily Mail reports that his body was discovered slumped at the edge of the sofa with the TV still on.
Found Dead After a Night Out
Danan’s girlfriend, Melissa Crooks, raised concerns after not hearing from him following a night out.
The pair had gone for “a couple of drinks” in the early hours of January 14. When she couldn’t reach him, a neighbor climbed a ladder to access his first-floor flat, where Danan was found unresponsive.Emergency services arrived and he was pronounced dead at 5.20PM.Crooks later identified his body at the scene.
A Lethal Combination of Drugs
A postmortem examination concluded that Danan died from the combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine, and zopiclone, with additional contribution from benzodiazepine use. Assistant Coroner Debbie Rookes emphasized that none of the substances were found in high levels individually, but their combined effect caused fatal respiratory depression.
The coroner has officially ruled as a “misadventure.”
“There is no evidence that Paul intended to take his own life,” said Rookes. “Paul Danan was clearly much loved and is very much missed.”
No Signs of Suicide, Despite Past Struggles
The inquest – held at Avon Coroner’s Court in Flax Bourton – heard written statements from emergency responders, medical professionals, and Danan’s mother, Beverley Danan.
Rookes stated that although Danan had taken an accidental overdose in May 2024, and had occasional suicidal thoughts, there were no active plans to end his life at the time of his death.
“Paul had struggled with his mental health for many years,” Rookes explained. “I don’t have any evidence before me that Paul intended to take his own life at this time. Therefore, the conclusion is misadventure.”
Legal Troubles and a Life of Challenges
At the time of his death, Danan was facing legal proceedings. He was due to appear in Warrington Magistrates’ Court on January 16—just one day after he died—after being charged with possession of cocaine and cannabis. He was also accused of driving under the influence of drugs in October 2024 in Cheshire.
Danan had long battled substance abuse and was candid about his addiction struggles, frequently discussing his recovery on public platforms. He revealed on ITV’s The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019 that his issues began in his teenage years, saying he had to “work hard at it every day to keep in recovery.”
He had previously collapsed due to vaping, telling The Sun : “I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here,” adding, “After years of smoking cigarettes and all sorts, it’s the vaping which has done me in. That pushed me over the edge.”
A Career Full of Highs and Heart
Paul Danan’s acting and reality TV career spanned decades. After his stint on Hollyoaks, he found fame again on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017. His fiery persona and emotional openness made him a memorable presence.
He also appeared in Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan alongside Calum Best and Fran Cosgrave, traveling across the U.S. in a reality TV experiment. Best, the son of football legend George Best, paid tribute to Danan following his death.
“Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us,” Best wrote on Instagram. “We shared many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.”
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EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney also honored him, writing that Danan “had a heart of gold.”
A Voice for Recovery and the Arts
Danan was not just an actor but a vocal advocate for addiction recovery. He launched the Morning After With Paul Danan podcast in 2019, running it until 2023, and started a drama therapy group during the pandemic called Morning After Drama, which evolved into live workshops across London, Oxford, and the South-West.
His last TV appearance was in 2022 on Celebrity Coach Trip. Earlier TV credits included E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip, Channel 4’s The Kevin Bishop Show, and more.
In 2010, he pleaded guilty to drug and public order offenses and was referred to a drug support agency.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Goodbye
In a moving tribute, Danan’s mother, Beverley, said: “Paul helped so many people from all walks of life, but just couldn’t help himself in the same way. His smiling face and love of life will always be remembered.”
His agents at Independent Creative Management issued a statement following his death: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.”
The statement added: “His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.”Our thoughts continue to go out to Danan’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
