Actor Paul Danan died from a lethal combination of illegal and prescription drugs at his Bristol, England home on January 15, according to a coroner’s inquest that concluded this week. The 46-year-old Hollyoaks star was found unresponsive on his sofa while watching television.
Assistant Coroner Deborah Rookes ruled Danan’s death as “misadventure” during proceedings at Avon Coroner’s Court in Flax Bourton, near Bristol. The coroner determined there was no evidence the actor intended to take his own life at the time of his death.
A post-mortem determined that Danan’s death resulted from the combined effects of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine, and zopiclone, with benzodiazepine use also playing a contributing role. Emergency services pronounced him dead at 5:20 p.m. local time after being called to his home in Brislington, Bristol.
Danan’s partner, Melissa Crooks, discovered his body and identified him at the scene. She had raised concerns after failing to contact him since the early hours of January 14, following an evening out drinking together. A neighbor used a ladder to gain entry to Danan’s first-floor apartment, where he was found sitting on the sofa with the television still on.
The coroner noted that Danan had “a long history of drug misuse and struggles with his mental health.” Rookes stated that the death was caused by a mixture of prescription and illegal drugs, but clarified there was no indication of suicidal intent.
Danan rose to prominence playing Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap opera “Hollyoaks” from 1997 to 2001. He later became known for reality television appearances, including “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2017 and “Celebrity Love Island” in 2005 and 2006. The actor also appeared in the 2006 ITV2 reality show “Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan.”
In a statement read during the inquest, Danan’s mother Beverley told the court that “Paul helped so many people from all walks of life but just couldn’t help himself in the same way.” She added that his smiling face and love of life would always be remembered.
The actor was set to attend a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on January 16, just one day after his passing. He faced charges of possessing cocaine and cannabis, as well as driving under the influence of drugs on October 2, 2024, in Warrington, Cheshire.
Danan had been open about his addiction struggles throughout his career. In 2019, he appeared on ITV’s “The Jeremy Kyle Show” to talk about his struggles with substance abuse and his recovery, sharing that his issues started during his teenage years. He indicated he had to work hard every day to maintain his recovery.
In 2020, Danan co-founded Morning After Drama, an advocacy group aimed at helping people work through trauma and addiction-related issues through acting and improvisation. The organization expanded from hosting virtual sessions during the pandemic to conducting workshops in London, Oxford, and the South West.
Danan’s death occurred approximately six months after he was hospitalized for respiratory failure, which he later confirmed resulted from excessive vaping. He told The Sun in June 2024 that he collapsed while vaping upstairs and required CPR from his family before being taken to the hospital, where he developed pneumonia and was placed on a machine in the ICU.
Following that health scare, Danan expressed determination to lead a healthier lifestyle. He indicated he felt like a different person and was ready to advance his career, describing himself as being in the best mental state he had experienced in years.
Calum Best, who shared the spotlight with Danan on reality television, remarked that he was among the most genuine, warm-hearted, and hilarious individuals he had ever met. Best noted that life was not always easy for Danan, but he faced challenges with heart and courage that inspired many people.
Independent Creative Management, Danan’s representatives, released a statement following his death describing him as a beacon of light to many people. The agency noted his television presence, exceptional talent and unwavering kindness, stating that his departure would leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of those who knew him.
Danan is survived by his nine-year-old son, DeNiro. The actor was born to a Moroccan Jewish family in Essex, England, and had spent more than £1 million on rehabilitation and recovery efforts throughout his career.