Paul Dunnan, the beloved actor known for his role in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and reality shows like Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother, has passed away at 46. His management announced his death on Thursday, citing his extraordinary talent and kindness. Tributes flooded in from friends and colleagues, including EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney, who called him a "heart of gold." Other stars, such as Aisleen Horgan-Wallace and Michael Greco, expressed their heartbreak and shared fond memories. DJ Fat Tony praised Dunnan’s kindness, highlighting the profound loss felt by the community.
Tributes have poured in since it was announced that Paul Dunnan had died at the age of 46 on Thursday.
The actor was best known for his role in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks before appearing in reality series Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.
“We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that @pauldanan has passed away at just 46 years old,” Paul’s management said in a statement.
“Known for his television presence, extraordinary talent and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to many. His untimely passing leaves a mark on the lives of all who knew him. It will leave a blank space.
“We ask that you respect Paul’s family, friends and colleagues and respect his privacy during this difficult time. We have no further comment at this time.”
Among the first to offer their condolences was EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney, who wrote that Paul had a “heart of gold”.
Tributes have poured in since it was announced on Thursday that Paul Dunnan had passed away at the age of 46 (Photographed in September 2021)
The actor was best known for his role in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks before starring in reality series Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.
He posted a photo of the soap actor on his Instagram Stories with the caption: “You had your demons, but what can I say, you had a heart of gold… Rest in peace Paul Dunnan.” Added.
Big Brother star Aisleen Horgan-Wallace also expressed her “heartbreak” on social media, paying tribute to her friend.
She wrote, “Paul Dunnan…my friend…so shocked and heartbroken…my love…I will cherish all our happy memories.” RIEP You are a beautiful and wonderfully talented human being. I’m really sorry. ”
Hollyoaks actress Chelsea Healy also commented on Aislene’s post, saying: “This is so sad.”
Former EastEnders actor Michael Greco praised Paul as a “genuine and caring man” in a world of “falsities and fakes”.
He wrote to A wonderful and warm man who will be missed by many. Rest in peace, buddy.
Former darts ace Bobby George also recalled Paul as a “very cheerful young man” after co-starring with him in the 2004 film One Man and His Dog. .
He wrote to Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Music star DJ Fat Tony wrote on Instagram: “It hurts so much. God bless you. Paul is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. What a sad day.” expressed his intention.
Among the first to pay their respects was EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney, who wrote that Paul had a “heart of gold”.
“You had the devil, but oh my god, you had a heart of gold… Rest in peace Paul Dunnan,” Dean wrote on his Instagram Story (Dean photo).
Big Brother star Aisleen Horgan-Wallace also expressed her “heartbreak” on social media and paid tribute to her friend.
Imogen Thomas was another Big Brother star who paid tribute to Paul, as she shared a lovely photo of them together and called him a “lovely person”.
Fellow soap star Michael Greco, who played Beppe Di Marco in EastEnders, also shared a heartfelt message for X.
Music star DJ Fat Tony wrote on Instagram: “This hurts so much, God bless you Paul is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. What a sad day.” expressed his intention.
Charlie Condu, who plays Marcus Dent in Coronation Street, replied to the post: “So sad, he was such a lovely lad.”
Fellow soap star Michael Greco, who played Beppe Di Marco in EastEnders, also shared a heartfelt message for X.
He wrote: “So sad to read of Paul Dunnan’s passing. In an age full of lies and deceitful people, he was a genuine, caring man who just loved everyone. A lovely and warm man who will be missed by many. Rest in peace, buddy.
Imogen Thomas was another Big Brother star who paid tribute to Paul, as she shared a lovely photo of them together and called him a “lovely person”.
“So shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of the lovely Paul Danan,” she quipped on her Instagram Story. you were a wonderful person. Rest in peace, my dear soul.
Before his death, Paul ran the Morning After Drama group and prison workshops, which support people suffering from addiction and mental health issues.
He was also photographed arriving at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in November.
His last Instagram post, shared on January 9, featured Paul filming himself acting out a scene from William Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night. Ta.
Before his death, Paul ran a Morning After Drama Group and Prison Workshop, which supported people suffering from addiction and mental health issues.
The actor previously starred as Sol Patrick in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 1997 to 2001.
Paul’s death was announced in a statement released by his management.
He captioned the post, “It’s been a long time since we got a little closer to the master, our pioneer Sir William Shakespeare.
“You forget what a genius he truly was, but when you get absorbed in working on his work, you remember how beautiful and exhilarating it was.
“What a great experience! Sometimes I forget how much I have to wake up…
In December, Paul also hosted a TikTok Live in which he talked about his own struggles with mental health, to raise money for his charity The Other Side Of Morning CIC. The charity aimed to “launch more community projects across the UK for people suffering from mental illness”. mental health.