Waterloo Road actor William Rush dies at 31
Family confirms death of William Rush, known for playing Josh Stevenson on the BBC drama
Waterloo Road actor William Rush has died at age 31, his family announced. Rush played schoolboy Josh Stevenson in the BBC One drama, appearing in 168 episodes between 2009 and 2013. His mother, Debbie Rush, posted on Instagram that William had died on Wednesday. The family did not disclose a cause of death, and asked for privacy as they navigate their grief.
Rush began as a child actor, appearing in Grange Hill and Shameless before later taking roles in Casualty and Vera. In 2016, he auditioned for ITV's The X Factor and progressed to the six-chair challenge.
Debbie Rush described her son as 'our beautiful baby boy' and said there are no words to capture the depth of their loss. She paid tribute to his decision to become an organ donor, saying: 'Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all.' The family noted that he had chosen to be an organ donor before he died, hoping to give hope and life to other families.
Fellow Coronation Street stars offered messages of support. Sally Dynevor said she was 'so shocked to hear this news' and described William as a 'beautiful boy.' Actor Jack P Shepherd said 'Terrible to read that Debbie. Devastating news, thinking of you all,' while Shobna Gulati wrote 'Sending you all the love, I'm so sorry and my deepest sympathies.' Chelsee Healey, who also appeared in Waterloo Road, posted: 'My heart breaks for you all, I'm so so sorry.'