Former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan dies aged 46.
Former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan, who played Sol Patrick on Channel 4 television between 1997 and 2001, has died aged 46, his management company has announced.
The independent creative management said in a statement: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the death of Paul Danan at the age of 46.
"Known for his television presence, incredible talent and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many."
Danan was also known for his appearances on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, and Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
Danan's management company added: "His untimely death will leave an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew him. "During this difficult time, we ask for respect and privacy from Paul's family, friends and colleagues."
Danan, who was born and raised in Essex, had a brief role in EastEnders as a child, then went to the Italia Conti drama school in London and joined Hollyoaks at 19.
His character Sol was a fan favourite and fan favorite - and something of an idol - in the soap opera.
Danan asked to leave the series four years later and Sol was last seen fleeing the country with Jess Holt.
He moved to Los Angeles, where he spent three and a half years trying to build a career.
"But I tried to party and do well, and you can't be a Hollywood star if you party," he told BBC Radio Bristol last year. "I was young, I was 22, 23, and I came back very thin with a tan but no job. So I came back and ... suddenly reality TV came along, so I wanted to do that and make some money."
Most recently, he launched the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which ran from 2019 to 2023.
Other appearances include Celebrity Coach Trip on E4 and Channel 4 sketch show The Kevin Bishop Show. The actor had also said he wanted to return to Hollyoaks.
Danan spoke about his health problems last year after ending up in intensive care with pneumonia. He told the Sun on Sunday that hospital staff had told him to stop smoking in all its forms. Having given up smoking in recent years, Danan said he became "obsessed" with the vapes available.
He also discussed his past drug problems, including his addiction to cocaine and codeine, which he used to "calm down" after losing an acting role in his 20s while in the US.
He also said he had spent more than £1million on rehab over the years and once overdosed on heroin.