Tributes have been flooding in for Paul Danan after it was announced on Thursday that he has died at the age of 46.
The actor was best known for his role on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, before appearing on the reality series Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.
A statement shared by Paul’s management and acting agents said: ‘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.’
Among the first to share his condolonces was EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney, who wrote that Paul had a ‘heart of gold’.
He took to his Instagram stories and shared a photo of the soap actor, alongside the caption: ‘You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold… RIP Mr Paul Danan.’
Katie Price took to Instagram to pay tribute to her close friend, writing that she is ‘speechless and shocked’ by the news.
Paul has previously yalked about his 2017 date with Katie, who instead went on to be a close friend instead of a romantic interest.
He claimed that Katie brought along another man to what he thought was a date, adding: ‘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.’
Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace also took to social media to express her ‘heartbreak’ and pay tribute to her friend.
She wrote: ‘Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken… my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories. RIEP u beautiful amazing talented human. I’m so very sorry.’
Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey also commented on Aisleyne’s post: ‘This is so sad.’
Ex EastEnders actor Michael Greco praised Paul for being a ‘genuine and caring man’ in a world of ‘falsities and fake people’.
He wrote on X: ‘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’.
And former darts ace Bobby George remembered Paul as a ‘very bubbly young man’, after starring alongside him in 2004 film ‘One Man and His Dog’.
He wrote on X: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Paul Danan. We worked together on the film ‘one man and his dog’ a few years ago he was a very bubbly young man. Condolences go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.’
Music star DJ Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, shared a tribute on Instagram as he penned: ‘This hurts so bad god bless you Paul one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met what a sad day x.’
Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent in Coronation Street, replied to the post with: So sad, he was such a lovely lad.’
Fellow soap star Michael Greco, who portays Beppe di Marco in EastEnders, also took to X to share a heartfelt message.
He wrote: ‘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.’
Imogen Thomas was another Big Brother star to pay tribute to Paul, as she shared a sweet photo of them together and called him a ‘lovely man’.
Taking to her Instagram stories, she quipped: ‘So shocked and saddened to hear the death of the lovely Paul Danan. You were a great man. RIP you lovely soul.’
TV presenter Hayley Palmer also shared a sweet picture of herself and Paul as she emotionally wrote that she will ‘love him forever’.
He captioned the post: ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve gone near a bit of the Master that is Our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare.
Reminiscing on their memories, she wrote: ‘We’d listen to your favourite song on repeat in your car. Will remind me of you forever,’ with Rain Or Shine by Five Star playing in the background.
A Place In The Sun host Jean Johansson quipped that Paul was ‘always kind and funny’ alongside a throwback snap of the actor.
GB News panellist Adam Brooks also took to X, writing: ‘Just seen this, I only spoke to him a few weeks ago, he was a lovely soul.’
Paul previously struggled with drug addiction, overdosing on heroin after returning from a stint in rehab, and in June he revealed that he was given CPR by his family after his ‘obsessive’ vape usage caused respiratory failure.
He also has a son named Deniro, who was born in September 2015.
His last Instagram post, shared on January 9, showed Paul filming himself performing a scene from the William Shakespear paly Twelfth Night.
‘You forget what a Genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exhilarating it is when you get stuck in to tackling his work.
‘It’s an amazing experience! I forget sometimes how much i need to be awoken…
In December, Paul also hosted a TikTok Live where he discussed his struggles with mental health, in a bid to raise money for his charity The Other Side Of Morning CIC, which aimed to build ‘more community projects around the UK for people struggling with their mental health.’
Paul had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a ‘quantity’ of cannabis, according to court documents.
He was also accused of driving whilst under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year in Warrington, Cheshire.