Waterloo Road actor William Rush dies aged 31

William Rush, the Waterloo Road actor who played Josh Stevenson, has died at age 31, his family announced. Rush appeared in 168 episodes of the BBC One school drama from 2009 to 2013. His family did not disclose a cause of death.

Rush began his acting career as a child, with early roles in Grange Hill and Shameless before later appearing in series such as Casualty and Vera. His mother, Debbie Rush, a former Coronation Street actress, posted on Instagram that William had died on a Wednesday and said the family’s hearts were “completely broken.” She added that her son had shown kindness and love throughout his life and highlighted his decision to become an organ donor, saying that his gift would give hope and life to other families. “There are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss,” she wrote, asking for privacy as the family navigates their grief.

Rush’s career extended beyond Waterloo Road. He auditioned for ITV’s The X Factor in 2016 and progressed as far as the “six-chair challenge,” a phase that sits between boot camp and judges’ houses. His mother’s note reflected both pride and sadness, underscoring the family’s wish to remember him as a generous and loving person. “Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all,” she wrote, referencing his status as an organ donor. “Through being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to other families, thinking of others right to the very end.” She concluded by asking for privacy as they cope with their unimaginable loss.

Tributes from colleagues followed the announcement. Fellow Coronation Street stars expressed their condolences, with Sally Dynevor calling Rush a “beautiful boy” and saying she was shocked by the news. Jack P Shepherd offered his thoughts, while Shobna Gulati and Chelsee Healey likewise sent messages of support. Friends and fans alike noted Rush’s long association with Waterloo Road and his earlier work in television, recognizing the abrupt loss of a young actor who began his career in youth productions before building a broader screen résumé.

In reflecting on his career, Rush was remembered for his characteristic resiliency and the breadth of his roles across British television. While his Waterloo Road tenure defined his early public profile, his later work demonstrated the versatility that kept him in acting circles beyond the BBC drama. His family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but the response from the industry and fans alike has underscored the impact Rush had on those who watched him grow up on screen. No official cause of death has been released, and authorities have not publicly commented on the circumstances surrounding his passing.

William Rush is survived by his family and friends who have asked for time to celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind in the memories of audiences who followed his career from adolescence through adulthood.