Hollyoaks star Paul Danan died by misadventure after taking cocktail of drugs, coroner rules

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Paul Danan has heard how the Hollyoaks star consumed a cocktail of drugs before his tragic death.

The 46-year-old actor - best known for starring as bad boy Sol Patrick in the Channel 4 soap from 1997 to 2001 - died at his home on 15 January this year.

A previous hearing heard how he was found unresponsive at his pad in Brislington, Bristol, before he was pronounced dead by emergency services a short time later.

Danan, who was also famed for his stints on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island, consumed a cocktail of drugs prior to his death. This included heroin and cocaine.

Coroner’s officer Alexis Camp said at an earlier hearing: "The circumstances are that Mr Danan was found unresponsive at his home address.

"Emergency services attended and confirmed he had sadly died. A post-mortem has taken place and samples have been removed for further analysis. No note was left."

Danan died in January this year (PA)

As the inquest at Avon Coroner’s Court resumed today (28 May), the coroner recorded a verdict of misadventure.

The court heard that the provisional cause of Danan’s death is combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine and zopiclone, contributed to by benzodiazepine use.

The TV star had openly discussed his struggles with addiction and even appeared on ITV’sThe Jeremy Kyle Show to speak about his experiences in 2019.

Danan told the host that he had to 'work hard at it every day to keep in recovery' and the actor had also previously attended rehab to try and overcome his substance abuse.

A statement from Independent Creative Management announcing his passing read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old.

The 46-year-old appeared in a host of popular shows throughout his career (John Phillips/Getty Images)

"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."

From 2019 to 2023, Danan hosted his own podcast, which was titled The Morning After With Paul Danan.

Throughout his career, he also appeared on other well-known programmes such as The Kevin Bishop Show and Celebrity Coach Trip.

Danan experienced a health scare months before his death, as he told how he suddenly collapsed and was later diagnosed with pneumonia.

In his final social media post, the actor excitedly explained how he had thrown himself into an 'exhilarating' new project.