Actor Paul Danan’s heartbreaking cause of death revealed

Actor Paul Danan was found dead on the sofa with the TV still on in a death that’s now been described as “misadventure.”

Actor Paul Danan was found dead on the sofa with the TV still on after taking a lethal cocktail of drugs, an inquest has heard.

The former star of British soap Hollyoaks and reality show Love Island, 46, was discovered unresponsive at his apartment in Bristol on January 15.

An inquest heard his cause of death was a “combined toxicity” of drugs, including heroin, methadone and cocaine.

Tests also found he had traces of prescription medication in his system.

Coroner Debbie Rookes today ruled Paul’s death as a misadventure, saying she was certain he did not intend to end his life.

The court was told Paul’s friends had raised the alarm after struggling to get hold of him for two days.

Paul Danan died in January aged 46. Picture: Joseph Okpako/Getty Images

They used a ladder to look through a window at his home before his neighbour entered to find the star slumped on the sofa with the TV on.

Paul’s mum Beverley Danan paid tribute to her son in a statement read to the court.

She 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.”

Avon and Somerset Police previously confirmed they were called to the home in the Brislington area at around 5.20pm.

Tragically, Paul could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

Officers confirmed they were not treating the reality star’s death as suspicious.

Giving her conclusion, Ms Rookes said: “Paul Danan was clearly much loved and is very much missed.

Danan’s death has been ruled “misadventure.” Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty

The troubled actor was found dead at home. Picture: John Phillips/Getty

“Mr Danan had a long history of drug misuse and struggles with his mental health. His death was caused by a combination of drugs, both prescription and illicit.

“Paul had struggled with his mental health for many years. He had taken an overdose in May 2024 but he was adamant that this was accidental and he didn’t have any intention to end his life.

“Although he had occasional suicidal thoughts, he didn’t have any active plans. I don’t have any evidence before me that Paul intended to take his own life at this time.

“Therefore, the conclusion is misadventure.”

His heartbreaking battle

Paul rose to fame in 1997 playing bad boy Sol Patrick on Hollyoaks for four years.

He was also a contestant on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006.

Paul appeared in the 2006 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw the actor, former Westlife bodyguard Fran Cosgrave and George Best’s son Calum Best travel across the US.

In 2017, he took part in Celebrity Big Brother, which he said hoped would give him a “second chance” at his career.

Other appearances included Celebrity Coach Trip, and sketch comedy program The Kevin Bishop Show.

Away from the screen, Paul battled demons including substance abuse, which he discussed on The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019.

The troubled star told how he battled a cocaine addiction and revealed he had been to rehab 17 times.

Paul, dad to nine-year-old DeNiro, had been due to appear in court to face drug charges the day after he was found dead.

Danan, seen here entering the Big Brother house in 2017, was open about his struggles with drug addiction during his life. Picture: John Phillips/Getty

He was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis, along with driving under the influence of drugs last October.

The star also opened up about his health issues to The Sun last year – revealing that he suffered respiratory failure triggered by his addiction to vapes.

He then spent a week in intensive care, where he contracted pneumonia.

Afterwards, Paul said: “I was dead — it’s a miracle I’m here. I’m so lucky.”

Tributes flooded in for the “exceptional talent” following the tragedy.

Calum Best, the son of footballer George, described him as one of the “funniest, kindest, and most authentic people I’ve known”.

In an Instagram post, he said: “Paul was truly a creative genius too having all of us laughing our a**es off at his insta profile he made to rinse a certain era of celeb culture we lived.

“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 many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.”

Friend Calum Best described Danan as a “creative genius.” Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty

TV presenter Vanessa Feltz also paid tribute to her “fantastically gifted” friend.

She said: “He was a friend of mine and he was the most delightful person.

“You know, when someone comes in and you just know that the whole evening’s going to be fabulous because he’s going to be funny and he’s going to be lively.

“He’s going to be, you know, telling you stories he shouldn’t have told you and telling you not to tell anyone and you immediately tell everyone.

“You know, he was funny and lively and lovely and warm and a fantastically gifted actor.”

While BAFTA-winning actor writer, director, and producer Adam Deacon said Paul was a “genuinely kind and compassionate person”.

Paul was laid to rest in an emotional funeral on January 21 attended by Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and his Hollyoaks co-stars.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Actor Paul Danan’s heartbreaking cause of death revealed