**Inquest Reopens into Death of Former Hollyoaks and Reality TV Star Paul Danan**
An inquest into the tragic passing of Paul Danan, once known to millions for his portrayal of Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks, resumes today at Avon Coroner’s Court in Flax Bourton, near Bristol. The 46-year-old actor and prominent reality TV figure was found unresponsive in his Brislington, Bristol home in January, prompting a public outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike.
Mr Danan’s career first took off in the late 1990s, with his role on Channel 4’s much-loved soap, Hollyoaks. His time on the show from 1997 to 2001 established him as a household name, particularly for his portrayal of the infamous troublemaker, Sol Patrick. Beyond his soap stardom, Danan continued to be a familiar face, appearing on reality series such as Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island, where his larger-than-life personality saw him gain further public attention.
The adjourned inquest heard earlier this year that Mr Danan died after ingesting a dangerous mixture of substances, including cocaine, heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, and zopiclone, with evidence of benzodiazepines in his system. No note was discovered at the scene, and his partner, Melissa Crooks, identified his body. Coroner’s officer Alexis Camp explained that samples had been withdrawn for further forensic analysis following the post-mortem, and that the nature of the inquest would take the form of documentary evidence, rather than live testimony.
Ms Deborah Rookes, the assistant coroner presiding over the case, is expected to review written statements and reports concerning the circumstances of Danan’s premature death. Details have also surfaced relating to legal troubles preceding his death; Mr Danan was due to appear in court on 16 January, just a day after he was found, having been charged with the possession of cocaine and cannabis, as well as driving under the influence of drugs in an incident reported the previous October.
Danan’s battle with addiction was widely known, and the actor frequently spoke publicly about his attempts at rehab and the daily struggle toward recovery. Despite these challenges, he remained a prominent figure in the world of reality television. His television journey included memorable stints on ITV’s Celebrity Love Island in 2005 and 2006, and the ITV2 road trip reality show ‘Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan’. The latter saw him teaming up with Calum Best and Fran Cosgrave to travel across the United States. Best, the son of football legend George Best, recalled Danan as “one of the funniest, kindest, and most authentic people I’ve known”. After Danan’s passing, Best published a heartfelt tribute on social media, praising Danan’s resilient spirit in the face of his personal battles.
Other well-known names from the entertainment industry also paid tribute, with EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney describing Danan as “having a heart of gold”. Danan’s career also touched Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother, where his tumultuous time on the show ended with his early eviction—a moment he hoped would offer a ‘second chance’ at reviving his acting career.
Beyond television, Danan explored other creative ventures. He launched ‘The Morning After With Paul Danan’ podcast, which ran from 2019 to 2023 and covered issues ranging from celebrity interviews to candid discussions about addiction. His efforts during the pandemic included starting virtual drama workshops that eventually developed into in-person sessions across London, Oxford, and the South West.
Danan’s openness about his ongoing struggle with substance misuse brought him both public empathy and support. In a 2019 episode of ITV’s The Jeremy Kyle Show, Danan revealed his addiction began in his teenage years, adding that maintaining sobriety was a constant challenge. His history also included a 2010 guilty plea for drug and public order offences, for which he was fined and referred to support services.
In a statement released by his management, Independent Creative Management, Danan was praised for his “exceptional talent and unwavering kindness”, with those closest to him lamenting the irreplaceable loss left by his death. The entertainment industry and his fans now await the coroner’s findings, hoping for answers that may shed light on the circumstances around the loss of a beloved and complex figure.
Danan’s legacy—both as an entertainer and as someone who candidly shared his personal struggles—continues to resonate with colleagues, friends, and admirers throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.