Hollyoaks star Paul Danan dated a number of very famous women, but he longed to say goodbye to his ‘lothario’ status in his final years.
Paul, who has sadly passed away at the age of 46, rose to fame as ‘bad boy’ Sol Patrick in the hit soap. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and season one of Celebrity Love Island in 2005, where he was one of the very first stars to look for love in the villa.
The Essex-born soapstar was also linked with a number of glamorous women, including model Kelly Brook, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, and TV presenter Melanie Sykes.
Just like the rest of us, however, Paul suffered through a few dating blunders and setbacks. On one occasion in 2003, he proposed to A-Lister Cameron Diaz within seconds of meeting her at LA’s Coachella music festival, having fallen head over heels. Unfortunately for Paul, Charlie’s Angel Camera was already with Thirty Seconds To Mars rockstar, Jared Leto.
Back in 2020, Paul told The Sun: “I went up to her and said, ‘Hi, my name’s Paul and I’ve always thought you were amazing’ and I just got down on one knee and said, ‘Will you marry me?’. She thought I was joking, but I kind of wasn’t and she was like, ‘Paul, that’s so sweet but I’m with Jared’.”
In another recollection, Paul remembered how he’d ended up being late for a date with former Today With Des and Mel presenter Melanie, after crashing into the back of another car at a roundabout. Paul, who admitted he’d been “really nervous about the date”, revealed that Melanie didn’t believe his explanation for being late at first, and the evening could have gone better.
He shared: “That night, I was in shock from the car accident, and it came out a bit later. I couldn’t even go to work the next day, I was really ill. It was a shame because that date could have been much better. We were on and off for a couple of months. She ended up getting together with an actor guy (Daniel Caltagirone) and married him.”
On another memorable occasion, Paul headed out on a date with glamour girl Katie Price, only to find out she’d turned up with another man. Although romance wasn’t on the cards, the pair remained close, and Katie later divulged her unexpected reason for bringing along an unexpected guest.
Paul said: “I get to this date and she turns up with another guy. I’m thinking, ‘Why has she turned up to meet me with a bloke?’ All these years later she says she was probably a bit shy so she wanted someone with her. I took it to heart, as I thought she wasn’t interested. After about an hour, I said, ‘See you later’. I was really gutted.”
Other clangers saw Paul allegedly dump renowned beauty Kelly Brook after her granddad interrupted a moment of intimacy, and being so eager for a date for Emma Bunton that he walked out halfway through shooting a scene for Hollyoaks.
However, as colourful as Paul’s dating life undoubtedly was, he was serious about finding the one, opening up just last year about “trying to find the right person” during an episode of the Dozen podcast. Paul, who claimed to have slept with more than 1,000 women in his time, explained that he’d slowed down his antics in recent times, with a focus on finding the right person for him.
Father-of-one Paul reflected: “I think that’s why I’ve really like stayed single is just like trying to find the right person, y’know. The one that I really gel with that’s got my back and I’ve got theirs’.”
Paul’s management confirmed the tragic news this morning, issuing the following statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old.”
They continued: “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.”
The news comes mere months after Paul was rushed to hospital and given CPR after suffering respiratory failure related to his addiction to vapes. At the time, Paul’s condition was so grave that doctors warned his family that “he might not make it”.
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