Paul Danan opened up about his poor health just months before he died.
The Hollyoaks star passed away at the age of 46, with his management announcing the sad news this morning. The statement read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.
“His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”
Just last year, Paul had opened up about his health, admitting he was urgently hospitalised when he collapsed. He was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital in London and was admitted to intensive care and also got pneumonia.
“I was dead – it’s a miracle I’m here. I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed. My family called for an ambulance and started giving me CPR, then police arrived and took over before paramedics took me to hospital,” he said at the time, before revealing that his family were given the worst news.
He recalled of his hospital stay, blaming his admission on his vaping: “I was on a machine in ICU and ended up with pneumonia. My family were warned that I might not make it through the night. I’m so lucky.”
Paul had recalled how he had been vaping and that had been the reason for his health scare. The doctor was “harsh” with him and warned him how serious it was, explaining to him that if he had ever smoked again, he could be on an oxygen tank.
Paul had quit smoking in 2021 but turned to vaping, as he believed “it was the safest way to smoke”.
“I saw a YouTube video where someone blew cigarette smoke into cotton wool then did the same with a vape. The cotton wool turned black from the smoke from the cigarette, but the wool remained the same colour after the vape vapour hit it… Off the back of that, in my head – because I have ADHD everything is very visual – I’ve always thought they’d be OK,” he recalled.
However, his addiction soon turned to vaping and he “got obsessed”. He said: “Everywhere I went I’d have my vape with me. I’d always have one in my hand, I would even go to sleep with it, like a comfort thing.”
Paul has been open about his battles with addiction and drugs, and recalled how he was handed cocaine on his first day on the set of Hollyoaks. He said: “The day I started there, someone and I am not going to say who, handed me an eighth of cocaine and I didn’t really know much about coke and he was like, ‘welcome.’ It was the first day, the first read through, I hadn’t even filmed anything.”
Speaking about his relapsing, he admitted: “I know that I have to work hard at it every day to keep in recovery. I find it difficult. I relapse a lot. When I was 14, 15, I started experimenting with ecstasy but it wasn’t a regular thing that I felt I had to. When cocaine came into the equation, that’s a drug that can become addictive without you realising.
“I started to have a bit of time off I’d do it and it’s an invisible line and when you cross it it’s hard to go back. I’ve got an addictive personality and if I like something I want more of it.”
Following his death, tributes have flooded in for Paul including from Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, who wrote: “Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken…. my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories.”
EastEnders star Michael Greco, who played Beppe di Marco in the soap and appeared on Celebrity Love Island alongside Paul, said: “So, so sad to read about the passing of Paul Danan. In this day and age of falsities and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone. A lovely warm man that will be missed by many. R.I.P. Buddy.”
Katie Price also paid tribute, writing: “Wow just speechless and shocked many memories I’ll always remember. RIP.” Dean Gaffney wrote on Instagram: “You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold… RIP Mr Paul Danan.” Calum Best – who was on Celebrity Love Island with Paul – said: “Paul was one of the funniest, kindest, and most real people I’ve ever known – truly a creative genius too. Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us. We shared so many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.”
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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