Paul Danan has died at the age of 46, just one week after sharing a poignant Instagram post about performing Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
The actor’s death was confirmed today, with tributes pouring in from across the entertainment industry.
In his final social media post, Danan had reflected on the “beautiful and exhilarating” experience of working with Shakespeare’s material, sharing footage of himself performing an audition piece for the role of Orsino.
Along with his audition video, Danan wrote: “It’s been a long time since I’ve gone near a bit of the Master that is Our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare. You forget what a Genius he really was and remember how beautiful and exhilarating it is when you get stuck in to tackling his work.”
The actor added: “It’s an amazing experience! I forget sometimes how much i need to be awoken… #twelfthnight #stafford #shakespeare.”
Soon after his death, the post was flooded with fans’ responses expressing their heartbreak at his passing, with several sharing series after series of crying emojis.
In the comments of the post, Jake Quickenden wrote: “You was a top bloke with a heart of gold! Your penalty will forever make me laugh when we played footy together! Keep shining brother. RIP.”
“Absolutely gutted to hear of your passing. Truly shocked and sad,” an emotional fan echoed before another weighed in: “Oh darling this is so sad… [crying emojis] will miss you and you will be missed.”
Just weeks before his death, Danan made an appearance on GB News in December 2024, speaking with presenter Lee Anderson.
During the interview, he reminisced about his time on Celebrity Love Island, describing Fiji as “the best place he’d ever been to”.
The star suffered breathing problems due to his vaping
The actor had experienced a serious health scare prior to his death, having required CPR after suffering respiratory failure linked to vaping.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday about the incident, Danan had said: “I was dead – it’s a miracle I’m here. I’m upstairs puffing away on my vape then suddenly I lost my breath and collapsed.”
His family had been warned he “might not make it” during his week in intensive care, where he also contracted pneumonia.
A statement from Danan’s management read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old.
“Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.”
The cause of death has not yet been announced.
The star was flooded with tributes from former co-stars and friends
PA
Tributes flooded in for Danan social media, with TV personality Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace expressing her shock and grief.
She penned: “Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken…. my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories. RIEP u beautiful amazing talented human.”
TV presenter Hayley Palmer wrote on Instagram: “I’m in absolute bits. Love you forever @pauldanan.
“I can’t even believe the news.. I only spoke to Paul a couple of weeks ago! He invited me to a Prodigy Concert and I said ‘Paulieeee that’s not really my thing!.. and he said I knewwww it wouldn’t be!!!!!!
“Paul was a one off character, he was soooo funny! We were great friends and did a Radio Show on Love Sport Radio together and I would fall off my chair with laughter!
“And he was one of the first to reach out to me when I wasn’t in a good place last year. Last message he said love you and I said love you back.” (sic)
