Former Hollyoaks star died after taking cocktail of drugs

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.

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. Read more from Sky News:New footage of Liverpool collisionCummings says Badenoch will be oustedUK has sunniest spring on record 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." 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..