PAUL'S WARNING
Paul Danan reveals how ‘dangerous’ Love Island fame turned his world upside down
Tributes have poured in for the much-loved star
CELEBRITY Big Brother star Paul Danan has sadly passed away, aged just 46.
During his life, the star appeared in the very first Celebrity Love Island, but once slammed the show for being "dangerous".
3
3
Paul shot to fame on Hollyoaks, but after leaving the soap he switched to a career in reality TV.
Along with a stint on Celebrity Big Brother, the star also appeared on Celebrity Love Island.
He appeared on the first series in 2005 and ended up coming back for the second one as well.
The celebrity version of the much loved ITV reality show actually came BEFORE the Love Island we know today.
Read more on Paul Danan
However, Paul previously revealed how the show has completely changed since then.
In an unearthed interview in 2020, the late star warned the show's bosses about the "dangers" that instant reality fame could pose to the Islanders taking part.
Speaking to the , Paul said: "It's mad to see it come on at this time of year.
"To be honest, it's so contrived. Back in the day when I did Love Island we were left alone, we weren't told to pair up with anyone, we could just do what we wanted.
Most read in News TV
"If we liked someone, great, if we didn't then we didn't need to do anything."
A Love Island spokesperson told the outlet at the time that the relationships formed on the show are completely up to the Islanders.
Paul Danan's haunting final instagram post revealed just days before tragic death aged 46
They said: "The opinions they have and the relationships formed are completely within the control of the Islanders themselves."
Speaking about the dangers of fame, Paul said: "That's the thing that's so scary.
"They're going to get all this attention, all these endorsements, this blown up Instagram following, and loads of money too quick too soon and they're not used to it.
"I'd been in Hollyoaks and you're used to fans and things, but I'd never known celebrity like it."
3
Continuing he said: "When you go on a reality show like that it's dangerous, I mean I've never known fame like it, I mean honestly.
"I'd done four years in Hollyoaks and I was more famous from six weeks on Love Island."
The late star added: "It scares me. I know they're doing all their checks with the mental health and with the psychiatry and that but these people have never been famous before, they're plumbers and they're this and that and they're on it because they've got a good body and they've got a good face."
Love Island now enforces a high level of care during and after the show.
Paul Danan has died aged just 46 - here's a look back at his life...
- Paul revealed he nearly died from vape addiction just six months ago
- The former Love Islander took on a surprising new career 22 years after leaving Hollyoaks
- The showbiz world reacts to the news Paul Danan has died aged 46 as tributes pour in
- Paul’s health struggles are revealed including vape addiction and heroin overdose
- His haunting final Instagram post revealed he was auditioning for new roles
- Inside Paul's charity mission to raise £5k for those struggling with addiction & mental health issues
The tragic news that Paul had passed away was revealed by his management, Independent Creative PR, on Instagram today.
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
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.
Paul's last Instagram post has also been revealed.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
It 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.
Topics