Paul Danan’s ex-girlfriend Lady Isabella Hervey has broken her silence following the former Hollyoaks star’s shock death aged 46.

The actor’s death was announced by his management on Thursday, with tributes soon pouring in for the star.

And amid the tragic news, Lady Isabella, 42 – who embarked on an on-off relationship with Paul in 2005 amid their stint on Celebrity Love Island – shared a heartfelt statement to Instagram.

Alongside a duo of holiday snaps of the former couple during their time together, Isabella penned: ‘Pauly…. I don’t know what to tell you as I’m still in utter shock your gone. [sic]

‘You were the kindest/ biggest hearted person/ so thoughtful/ always making me laugh when I was going through tough times over these two years. In fact you worried a lot about me and meanwhile you were in pain. 

‘I wish I had known as you covered it well. You bought out the best in me on love island who I truely am.’

Paul Danan ‘s ex-girlfriend Lady Isabella Hervey has broken her silence following the former Hollyoaks star’s shock death aged 46

The actor’s death was announced by his management on Thursday, with tributes soon pouring in for the star

The socialite concluded: ‘You promised to visit me but now your gone. I will hold on to the good times and your incredible sense of humour. You never failed to make me laugh so hard id cry. Rest well and I cannot comprehend this is the end. I do not want to. Bella. [sic]’

Paul and Isabella had a tumultuous relationship while on the original series of the dating show 20 years ago, with the actor spending two weeks attempting to woo her – even trying to tempt her into sharing a bed with her during a champagne fuelled night.

The duo had their ups and downs in the villa – including an awkward love triangle with Playboy model Nikki Ziering – but ultimately things were not meant to be, though they had remained on friendly terms in the years since. 

Paul was best known for his role as Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, before appearing on the reality series Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.

A statement shared by Paul’s management and acting agents said on Thursday: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the pᴀssing 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.’

Among the first to share his condolonces was EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney, who wrote that Paul had a ‘heart of gold’.

Amid the tragic news, Lady Isabella, 42 – who embarked on am on-off relationship with Paul in 2005 amid their stint on Celebrity Love Island – shared a heartfelt statement to Instagram

Alongside a duo of holiday snaps of the former couple during their time together, Isabella penned: ‘Pauly…. I don’t know what to tell you as I’m still in utter shock your gone

Paul and Isabella had a tumultuous relationship while on the original series of the dating show 20 years ago, with the actor spending two weeks attempting to woo her – even trying to tempt her into sharing a bed with her during a champagne fuelled night [pictured in 2006]

The duo had their ups and downs in the villa – including an awkward love triangle with Playboy model Nikki Ziering – but ultimately things were not meant to be, though they had remained on friendly terms in the years since [pictured in 2006]

Lady Isabella shared heartfelt words about her ex Paul following his death

Pictured L-R: Liz Mcclarnon, Lee Sharpe, Lady Isabella Hervey, Nikki Ziering, Winners Fran Cosgrave and Jayne Middlemiss, Calum Best, Paul Danan, Rebecca Loos and Abi тιтmus on Celebrity Love Island

Read More Heated Love Island confrontations to raunchy bed-hopping: Paul Danan’s most memorable TV moments

He took to his Instagram stories and shared a pH๏τo of the soap actor, alongside the caption: ‘You had your demons but my god you had a heart of gold… RIP Mr Paul Danan.’

Katie Price took to Instagram to pay tribute to her close friend, writing that she is ‘speechless and shocked’ by the news. 

Paul has previously talked about his 2017 date with Katie, who instead went on to be a close friend instead of a romantic interest.

He claimed that Katie brought along another man to what he thought was a date, adding: ‘All these years later she says she was probably a bit shy so she wanted someone with her. I took it to heart, as I thought she wasn’t interested.’ 

Calum Best, who starred in the original Celebrity Love Island alongside Paul in 2006, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram as he called his friend one of the ‘most authentic people’ he’s ever known. 

They also starred together in the 2006 ITV2 reality show Calum, Fran And Dangerous Danan, which saw them travel across the US together.

Alongside a slew of throwback pictures from both shows, Calum quipped: ‘From the OG love island…to Calum , Fran and dangerous danan to all these years later staying mates and attending an event recently supporting people in sobriety.

Paul’s death at the age of 46 sent shockwaves across the showbiz industry after it was revealed he had pᴀssed away on Thursday (stock image) 

Among the first to share his condolonces was EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney , who wrote that Paul had a ‘heart of gold’ 

Katie Price took to Instagram to pay tribute to her close friend, writing that she is ‘speechless and shocked’ by the news (pictured together in 2017)

Paul has previously talked about his 2017 date with Katie, who instead went on to be a close friend instead of a romantic interest

Calum Best, who starred in the original Celebrity Love Island alongside Paul in 2006, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram (the duo picturedf together with Fran Cosgrave)

Calum wrote: ‘Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us’

‘Paul was one of the funniest, kindest, and most authentic people I’ve known – truly a creative genius too having all of us laughing our ᴀsses off at his insta profile he made to rinse a certain era of celeb culture we lived.

‘Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with such heart and courage, and that inspired so many of us.

‘We shared many laughs, chats, and unforgettable moments. My heart goes out to his loved ones right now. Rest easy, brother.’

Paul previously struggled with drug addiction, overdosing on heroin after returning from a stint in rehab, and in June he revealed that he was given CPR by his family after his ‘obsessive’ vape usage caused respiratory failure.

He also has a son named Deniro, who was born in September 2015. 

His last Instagram post, shared on January 9, showed Paul filming himself performing a scene from the William Shakespear paly Twelfth Night.

Prior to his death, Paul had been running his Morning After Drama group and prison workshops which help those struggling with addiction and mental health issues

The actor previously starred as Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 1997 to 2001

In June, Paul revealed that he was brought back to life after his ‘obsessive’ vape usage caused respiratory failure

His last Instagram post, shared on January 9, showed Paul filming himself performing a scene from the William Shakespear paly Twelfth Night 

‘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.

In December, Paul also hosted a TikTok Live where he discussed his struggles with mental health, in a bid to raise money for his charity The Other Side Of Morning CIC, which aimed to build ‘more community projects around the UK for people struggling with their mental health.’

Paul 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 ‘quanтιтy’ of cannabis, according to court documents.

He was also accused of driving whilst under the influence of drugs on October 2 last year in Warrington, Cheshire.