Hollyoaks and reality TV star Paul Danan has been described as a “beacon of light” after his death aged 46.

The actor portrayed the rebellious character Sol Patrick from 1997 to 2001 on the Channel 4 soap opera and subsequently gained fame through his reality television roles, featuring in shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Love Island.

He had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after being charged with being in possession of several bags of cocaine and a “quantity” of cannabis, according to court documents.

He faced allegations of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs on October 2 of the previous year in Warrington, Cheshire.

Bafta-winning actor writer, director, and producer Adam Deacon, and EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney are among those who have paid tribute to Danan.

A message from Independent Creative Management expressed: "With deep sorrow, we announce the heartbreaking news of Paul Danan's passing at the young age of 46."

Renowned for his charismatic presence on television, remarkable skills, and steadfast compassion, Paul served as a guiding light for countless individuals.

"His premature passing will create an irreplaceable emptiness in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."

"At this challenging moment, we respectfully ask for privacy and consideration for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues."

Danan participated in ITV's Celebrity Love Island in both 2005 and 2006, but he did not emerge victorious in either season.

He was also featured in the 2006 ITV2 reality series titled Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, where he joined actor Fran Cosgrave, who was previously a bodyguard for Westlife, and Calum Best, the son of George Best, as they journeyed across the United States.

In 2017, Danan participated in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother but was eliminated early from the show. At that time, he expressed his hope that the experience would provide him with a "second chance" to revive his career.

He frequently expressed his desire to return to Hollyoaks, and subsequently launched the podcast The Morning After With Paul Danan, which aired from 2019 to 2023.

In 2020, he launched a drama workshop called Morning After Drama, which evolved from virtual sessions during the pandemic to in-person workshops in London, Oxford, and the South West.

According to its website, the organization targets young individuals, those in recovery from addiction, and ex-offenders.

He also made appearances on E4's Celebrity Coach Trip and the Channel 4 sketch comedy series The Kevin Bishop Show.

Deacon called Danan a “genuinely kind and compassionate person”, following him having the “pleasure of working with him” in an Instagram story.

Gaffney honored Danan in an Instagram story, expressing that he "possessed a heart of gold."

Sky presenter Hayley Palmer praised Danan, her co-host from their time together on Love Sport Radio, describing him as a "unique personality" with an incredible sense of humor on Instagram.

She mentioned, “We had a wonderful friendship and hosted a Radio Show on Love Sport Radio together, and I would often find myself laughing so hard that I’d nearly fall off my chair!”

"He was among the first to contact me when I was struggling last year."

DJ Fat Tony, real name Anthony Marnoch, wrote on Instagram that Danan was “one of the sweetest men”, and said it “hurts so bad”.

Michael Greco, a former actor from EastEnders, took to Instagram to share his memories of him as a “sincere and compassionate individual who aimed to bring joy to everyone.” He expressed that he would be “sorely missed by many.”

In an interview with The Sun last year, Danan revealed his struggle with vaping addiction, mentioning that he had fainted in May as a result of his e-cigarette consumption.

He mentioned that a nurse cautioned him that if he were to “ever smoke in any way again, he might find himself reliant on an oxygen tank in the future.”

In 2021, Danan decided to quit smoking and admitted that he subsequently became “obsessed” with vaping. He noted, “I would constantly have one in my hand and even took it to bed with me, treating it like a source of comfort.”

In 2019, he spoke about his struggles with substance abuse and his journey to recovery on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show, revealing that his issues started during his teenage years.

Danan mentioned that he needed to "put in daily effort to maintain his recovery."

In 2010, he admitted to charges related to drug use and public order violations, resulting in a £350 fine and a referral to a drug support agency by the Stevenage Magistrates’ Court.