Paul Danan's heartbreaking co-parenting struggle with 'mini-me' son

Daily Mirror

28-05-2025

Hollyoaks star Paul Danan, whose inquest will be heard today, is survived by his nine-year-old son DeNiro, whom he described as 'my life, my world, my everything'
Despite the success of fame, soap star Paul Danan 's "proudest achievement" was always his dear son, DeNiro, according to his friends.
Paul, who starred in the iconic Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks as Sol Patrick before appearing in reality TV shows Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother, shared a special bond with his nine-year-old son, whom he welcomed in 2015. The actor even described him as his "mini-me."
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The actor tragically died on January 15 at the age of just 46, devastating friends and family who loved his "excitement and vitality for life". Above all else, Paul, whose inquest is today, was a devoted father who loved nothing more than spending weekends on "dad duty".
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Paul welcomed his DeNiro in September 2015 and it's believed he co-parented him alongside a former partner. Taking to Instagram, he gave followers a look inside their family life with snapshots showing them enjoying everything from bowling and arcade games to lively family festivals and sunny getaways to Spain.
The Love Island star didn't hold back from sharing his love for his son, writing moving captions alongside sweet father-son snaps, including one which said: "My life, my world, my everything."
The following year, Paul penned a touching birthday message to DeNiro, writing: "Happy birthday to my most precious, beautiful, amazing child in the whole wide world! I love you so so much and want to be with you every day and pls G-d one day we will. For now I will wish you the most amazing birthday wishes and hope all your dreams come true. I love you baby. Always and forever Daddy."
Paul previously opened up about how tough he found being apart from DeNiro during lockdown in 2020 and his heartache when the dark days of Covid restrictions kept them apart. Speaking at the time, he said on his podcast: "I've got a tough situation going on.
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"I'm not with my son because he is with his mum in Hertfordshire, and I'm with my parents in Essex," he said, speaking on his podcast The Morning After.
"If I go and see my son, I can't come back to my parents because my dad has not been that well over the years. And my mum is really strict about it. I don't know what to do. I don't know how I'm going to get to see him." The late star continued: "He's only four and we've got such a good bond.
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"He's like a little mini-me, and his mum is trying to explain that there's this big bug going around, the big bad bug, but I don't think he understands. But he kind of does, it's so hard to explain this stuff to kids. I'm trying but it's one thing he doesn't really like, because he sees me and he wants to touch me."
Following his death, a source told The Sun just how much Paul cherished DeNiro. "Paul adored his son DeNiro. There were a lot of things Paul wasn't proud of in his life, but DeNiro was his proudest achievement."
They explained that being a dad was something he "loved", adding: "While he didn't see him every day because he co-parented him with his ex, Paul always looked forward to his weekends spent on dad duty." They went on to say how "devastating" it is for DeNiro to have lost his father at such a young age.
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A crowdfunder set up to help DeNiro following his dad's sudden death has reached £8,350 at the time of writing. Paul's friends, who set up the fundraiser, described their "unique" friend as the most "extra" person, adding that his family have been left "devastated", and say they hope to raise £10,000. The tribute on the page read: "There was NO ONE like Pauly. His excitement and vitality for life were magnetic. He was warm, kind, funny - actually hilarious, vulnerable, self-deprecating and captivating.
"Being his friend was a visceral experience, and I defy anyone to close their eyes and picture Pauly with anything but that huge, cheeky, dimpled smile. NEVER one to conform or do anything in an expected or generic way, Paul really was the most 'Extra' and unique person you could ever meet."
Touching on Paul's well-documented issues with addiction, they continued: "It's no secret that he struggled and lost his way at times, but in his true essence, the REAL Pauly, would do anything for anyone no matter what. Whether you knew him from school, Hollyoaks, Love Island, CBB, his rehab journey, or you were just lucky enough to cross paths, he's sure to have left a gaping Pauly-shaped hole in your heart right now. But he has also left behind a 9 year-old son - DeNiro, and a devastated family."
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The description signed off: "This page has been set up in Paul's memory, to make his son's journey a little bit easier. Please give what you can xxx."
Various tributes have been left with donations from those who knew the actor. One read: "Dear friend, We went to school together, had 2 successful schools together. Did a film together. Even lived together. You said you hoped Deniro would be just like my boys. He will. Love you kiddo."
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Another donor wrote to DeNiro: "Your dad gave me so many laughs, the world will be a worse place without him x". A third, claiming to be Sadie Frost, who has a son called Rafferty, donated £30, and wrote: "Oh Pauly .. I am so sad .. I loved you very much and so did Raff who always valued your friendship -big kisses forever and rest in peace my love."
In the aftermath of Paul's death, his manager released the following statement: "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."