PAUL'S BOY
Inside Paul Danan’s sweet relationship with rarely-seen son DeNiro as Hollyoaks star passes away at 46
Tributes have poured in for the much-loved star
HOLLYOAKS and Celebrity Big Brother star Paul Danan has sadly passed away.
The star's death at the age of 46 sees him leave behind his beloved son DeNiro, eight.
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Paul's boy was born in September 2015, and the actor's eyes would light up when he talked about his only child.
Following the news of his death, a friend of the late star told The Sun: "Paul adored his son DeNiro.
"There were a lot of things Paul wasn't proud of in his life, but DeNiro was his proudest achievement.
"He loved being a dad, he was like a big kid himself at times, so he was a natural at being playful and fun with his boy.
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"While he didn't see him every day because he co-parented him with his ex, Paul always looked forward to his weekends spent on dad duty.
"It's devastating that DeNiro has lost his daddy at such a young age."
Paul never revealed the identity of DeNiro's mum, but we do know his mother is an ex-girlfriend of the former Hollyoaks star.
Despite their relationship not working out, they continued to co-parent their child.
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Although he tended to keep his son out of the spotlight, occasionally Paul would share a photo.
Paul Danan's haunting final instagram post revealed just days before tragic death aged 46
On his boy's first birthday, the proud dad posted a sweet snap of them together and wrote: "Happy birthday to my beautiful amazing gorgeous baby boy DeNiro!
"I love you more than anything in the world."
Heartbreakingly he added: "I hope you have a fantastic gorgeous Day, always and Forever Daddy!!!! Xxx"
Paul previously opened up about how tough he found being apart from DeNiro during lockdown in 2020.
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Speaking at the time, he said on his podcast: "I've got a tough situation going on.
"I'm not with my son because he is with his mum in Hertfordshire and I'm with my parents in Essex," he said speaking on his podcast The Morning After.
"If I go and see my son I can't come back to my parents, because my dad has not been that well over the years. And my mum is really strict about it.
"I don't know what to do. I don't know how I'm going to get to see him."
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The late star continued: "He's only four and we've got such a good bond.
"He's like a little mini-me, and his mum is trying to explain that there's this big bug going around, the big bad bug, but I don't think he understands."
"But he kind of does, it's so hard to explain this stuff to kids. I'm trying but it's one thing he doesn't really like, because he sees me and he wants to touch me."
The tragic news that Paul had passed away was revealed by his management, Independent Creative PR, on Instagram today.
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A heartfelt message read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan 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."
Paul was best known for playing Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks before starring in the original series of Celebrity Love Island in 2005.
Following the news of his death, the post was flooded with comments with messages of sadness.
Celebrity friends of Paul’s have also taken to social media to share tributes.
Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace wrote: “Paul Danan... a friend of mine... I'm so shocked and heartbroken.... my darling man... I will cherish all our happy memories.
“RIP you beautiful amazing talented human.”
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Danan's last post on his official Instagram page was a short video audition for the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, in which he was reading for the role of Orsino.
He posted it one week ago, commenting on how "beautiful and exhilarating it is" to get stuck into new work.
Behind the headlines, Paul was a sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy
BY Oliver Grady, Assistant Showbiz Editor
Paul Danan may have grabbed his share of column inches over his all too short 46 years, from his colourful love life to his well-documented struggles with addiction, but behind the headlines, there was a very sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy.
I’ve met and spoken with Paul many times over the years and have always had a soft spot for him. He was funny, articulate, smart and great company.
Yes, he had his demons, but he was very open about them and was always striving to be a better version of himself.
He was extremely proud of his theatre company, The Morning After, which he set up to help fellow addicts work through their trauma through drama and acting.
While he seemed lost at times, and on several occasions opened up to me about his struggle to be taken seriously in the industry after his private life exploits overshadowed his professional accomplishments, he clearly found a purpose in supporting others and helping them stay on the path of recovery.
There was only one thing Paul was prouder of than his recovery and his theatre company, and that was his son DeNiro.
Paul lit up when he spoke about his boy, and looked forward to spending the weekends with him as he co-parented with the lad’s mum.
His whatsapp photo was him beaming with DeNiro, and he loved to talk about his offspring’s accomplishments and his hopes for his future.
It breaks my heart that DeNiro now has to go through the rest of his life without his dad, and Paul will never see him grow up.
I last heard from Paul at Christmas, when he left me a voicenote saying he had some exciting things planned for 2025.
I told him we’d catch up in the New Year, but sadly we never got the chance to.
I’ll miss you Paul. You were one of life’s good ones.
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