was the much-loved star of Hollyoaks and the original Celebrity but away from the spotlight, the actor had a long-term problem with addiction.

, who died at the age of 46, went to rehab at least 17 times in a bid to conquer his dependence on drugs and alcohol. He began experimenting with ecstasy when he was just 14 and tried cocaine for the first time at age 17. Looking back at pictures from his party days, the star would call himself "The Addict".

The performer's battle with substances included an undated, terrifying episode at his parents home in which he nearly died, calling it doing a "Pulp Fiction". He had recently returned from rehab when he visited a drug dealer, buying cocaine and asking for something extra to "calm down".

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Paul, who played Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks for four years, : "I did a Pulp Fiction, like when she snorts the heroin," referring to Uma Thurman's character Mia Wallace, who is revived by her bodyguard when she overdoses on the drug. "And what happens to her? She's pretty much dead and needs the reversal, she needed the injection in her heart, that's what I needed to bring me back.

"They call it 'going over', and that happened to me." He continued: "It was so dangerous as I didn't even know how to take it," he added of ingesting the heroin. "That you were meant to use foil, or inject, or even smoke it, so I snorted it as I'd done cocaine and thought it was like that."

Paul's mother found him choking on his "last breaths" in his bed and called an ambulance. "My mum came into the bedroom and heard me making these noises," the star told the Jeremy Kyle Show in 2019. "It sounded like I was but it was me choking on my last breaths. I was overdosing."

The troubled actor described himself as a "functioning alcoholic" who also smoked cannabis. "I've got an addictive personality and if I like something I want more of it," he told TV host Jeremy. "Gambling, women, love addiction, food even, shopping, I'm terrible with shopping."

Quizzed by Jeremy on why he still took drugs after what happened to him, he said: "I know that I have to work hard at it every day to keep in recovery. I find it difficult. I relapse a lot. When I was 14, 15, I started experimenting with ecstasy but it wasn’t a regular thing that I felt I had to.

"When cocaine came into the equation, that’s a drug that can become addictive without you realising." At the time of the interview, he had been in rehab 17 times.

Paul was father to a son called DeNiro, born in September 2015. He worked with young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the impact it could have on their mental health after struggling to conquer his own demons.

Speaking to he said: "Two years later, I haven’t looked back" before declaring: "I haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol in twenty months, and I’m closer than ever to my parents and siblings.

"My mum wasn’t talking to me when I was in rehab, which was really painful because I was dying to make it up to her, but slowly she came around. She can be proud of me now for all the stuff I am doing and the way I have come back from that.

"I see my son all the time and me and him are so close. All of this has taught me how precious family are." In a statement released today, his management said: "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. 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."

Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email , message 82111 or call ) or the NHS has information about getting help.