Former Hollyoaks star Paul Danan died by misadventure after taking a cocktail of drugs, a coroner has ruled.
The 46-year-old played Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap from 1997 to 2001 and was later known for his reality TV appearances on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island.
An inquest into Danan’s death was told he was found unresponsive and slumped on his sofa in front of the TV at his home in Brislington, Bristol, on 15 January.
Image: Paul Danan appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017. Pic: PA
Emergency services attended and confirmed he had died, with his body being identified at the scene by his partner Melissa Crooks.
A post-mortem examination concluded his death was due to the combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine and zopiclone, contributed to by benzodiazepine use.
Assistant Coroner Debbie Rookes reached the conclusion Danan had died by misadventure after hearing written statements from emergency services doctors and his mother Beverley Danan.
In a statement, Mrs Danan 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.”
Ms Rookes concluded Danan had died from the combined effects of prescribed and illicit drugs.
She told the hearing at Avon Coroner’s Court in Flax Bourton, near Bristol, that there was no evidence Danan, who suffered an accidental overdose in May 2024, had intended to take his own life.
A previous hearing was told Danan did not leave a note.
The coroner said: “Paul Danan was clearly much loved and is very much missed.
“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.”
Image: Paul Danan pictured outside court in 2010. Pic: PA
The coroner said none of the drugs Danan had taken were found in high levels but their combined effect resulted in “fatal respiratory depression”.
Danan had previously spoken about his struggles with addiction and going into rehab.
The actor had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 16 January after being charged with possession of cocaine and cannabis, according to court documents.
He was also accused of driving while under the influence of drugs in Warrington, Cheshire, on 2 October last year.
Two men have died after a stabbing in central London.
Police were called to a business premises in Long Lane, Southwark, at 1pm on Monday, where they found four people had been stabbed.
A 58-year-old man died at the scene while three others were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan Police said. These included a 27-year-old man who has since died.
A third man, who is in his thirties, remains in hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Another man in his thirties, who has been detained in connection with the incident, remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: “Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of this shocking incident.
“At this point, we do not believe it to be terrorism-related and there is no further risk to the public.”
The red carpet was rolled out at No 10 on Monday evening as the Lionesses attended a reception to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory.
The England squad went straight to Downing Street after touching down at Southend Airport in Essex less than 24 hours after they defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.
Led by captain Leah Williamson, who proudly clutched the trophy, the side posed for pictures outside No 10 before being greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Image: The England squad outside No 10. Pic: PA
Image: Leah Williamson carries the trophy. Pic: AP
Speaking to Sky News correspondent Ashna Hurynag after the 40-minute reception, England manager Sarina Wiegman described the celebration as “very, very special”.
“To be able to go inside and also be in the garden there, [was] really nice,” she said. “They had put up pictures of us to show what we had done in the Euros… it was very, very special.”
Some people on social media have called for the England boss – who is from the Netherlands – to get an honorary damehood, but Wiegman told Ashna Hurynag that she “hasn’t thought about that”.
“I feel so much respect from England and from the Royal Family too, I think that’s the most important thing, feeling valued,” she said.
More on Lionesses
Related Topics:
Weigman also joined some of the players to videocall Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland with Donald Trump.
Image: England manager Sarina Wiegman and some of the players on a video call with Sir Keir Starmer. Pic: Reuters
Image: Pic: PA
Image: Angela Rayner congratulates some of the players. Pic: Reuters
In a speech at the reception, the manager quipped: “I have to make my apologies [for giving] you lots of heart attacks.”
“We made it through and that’s why we’re here now,” she continued.
“The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary. Thank you so much for having us here.”
As the Lionesses left Downing Street, some stopped to try and meet another famous feline – Larry the Cat.
Image: Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson in the garden at No 10. Pic: PA
Image: England’s Esme Morgan, Anna Moorhouse and Grace Clinton try and get Larry the Cat’s attention. Pic: PA
The celebrations will continue on Tuesday afternoon with an open-top bus parade through central London before the team gather outside Buckingham Palace.
The Lionesses retained their Women’s Euros title on Sunday night by beating Spain in Basel, Switzerland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
3:58
Behind the scenes after Lionesses’ win
Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 ahead in the first half, but England’s Alessia Russo levelled the score in the 57th minute.
The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the score remaining the same at the end of extra-time.