Actor and reality star Paul Danan’s cause of death revealed by coroner, history of addiction detailed

Reality TV and soap star Paul Danan was found unresponsive on his sofa with the TV still on, after his friends raised the alarm when they couldn’t reach him for two days.

An inquest has heard the 46 year old, former Hollyoaks and Love Island star took a combination of drugs before being discovered at his Bristol, UK apartment on January 15.

They used a ladder to look through his window before a neighbour entered and found him.

The inquest heard his death was caused by “combined toxicity” of drugs, including heroin, methadone, cocaine, and prescription medication.

Coroner Debbie Rookes ruled his death as misadventure, stating she was certain he did not intend to end his life. “Paul Danan was clearly much loved and is very much missed,” Ms Rookes said.

“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’s mother, Beverley Danan, paid tribute in a statement read to the court: “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.”

Police confirmed they were called to his home and that his death was not being treated as suspicious. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.

Paul had been open about his struggles, revealing he’d been to rehab 17 times and battled addiction for years. He had suffered a motorbike accident in 2010, which led to painkiller dependency and further challenges.

He once said: “I’ve had 17 stints in rehab. They do work. They’re amazing. They’ve saved my life many times but it’s maintenance and it’s about sustaining that recovery and not putting anything before that recovery - even my little boy, who I love to death.”

He also shared how his mother had saved his life after a heroin overdose: “My mum found me in my bed and I was making these weird noises and choking on my last breath. The ambulance was down the road thankfully, but by the time they arrived I was dead and they brought me back to life.”

Paul had been due in court on drug charges the day after he was found. He was a father to nine-year-old DeNiro.

Tributes poured in after his death. American TV personality, Calum Best, described him as “one of the funniest, kindest, and most authentic people I’ve known,” while English TV show host, Vanessa Feltz, called him a “fantastically gifted actor.”

Actor Adam Deacon also remembered him as a “genuinely kind and compassionate person.” Paul was laid to rest in January, with friends and former co-stars in attendance.