The actor has died at the age of 31
Former Waterloo Road star William Rush (right) has tragically died(Image: Shed Media)
Former Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush has received an outpouring of love and support following the heartbreaking announcement of her son William’s death.
The actress, recognised for portraying Anna Windass on the ITV soap between 2008 and 2018, shared the devastating news via Instagram on Thursday (December 18), just one day after William’s passing.
Following his mother’s career path, William studied at the Manchester School of Acting and made an appearance on Coronation Street in 2014, taking on the part of a young man who threatened Maddie Heath at her hostel.
William’s most prominent role came in Waterloo Road, where he portrayed Josh Stevenson between 2009 and 2012. His television credits also included appearances in Shameless, Grange Hill, Casualty and Vera.
In 2016, he auditioned for The X Factor, progressing to the six-chair challenge, the third of four elimination rounds, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Sharing the news of his death, alongside a photograph of William, aged 31, seated on a sofa wearing a Manchester City football shirt, Debbie wrote: “Our beautiful baby boy, William, passed away on 17th December. As a family, our hearts are completely broken, and there are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss.
(Image: debbie_rush/Instagram)
“Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all. Through being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to other families, thinking of others right to the very end. His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy.
“We kindly ask that our privacy be respected as we navigate this unimaginable grief. William will always be loved, always missed, and forever in our hearts.”
The heartbreaking post concluded with the hashtag “#BeKind”.
Former Coronation Street colleague Sally Dynevor was amongst those offering her condolences, writing: “Oh Debbie I’m so shocked to hear this news. Sending you so much love. What a beautiful boy he was,” whilst Catherine Tyldesley added: “Oh love. I’m heartbroken for you all. I am so deeply sorry. I’m sending so much love and strength.”
Tina O’Brien commented: “Sending you so much love. Thinking of you all.”
Jack P Shepherd responded: “Terrible to read that Debbie. Devastating news. thinking of you all x.”
Joe Duttine shared: “Oh my, I’m so sorry to be reading this, sending love to you and the family.”
Sue Cleaver added: “So terribly saddened to hear this. Sending so much love to you all.”
Sair Khan wrote: “Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family Debbie. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Emmerdale and Coronation Street’s Paula Lane wrote: “Debbie I’m absolutely heartbroken for you all.”
Former Corrie star Brooke Vincent commented: “Oh Debbie. I am so sorry for your loss! ! I’m sending you all so much love,” whilst ex-Coronation Street and Waterloo Road actress Katie McGlynn added: “Debbie I am so sorry to you all. Will brought a smile to everyone’s face and was a very kind soul. Thinking of you and sending so much love to you all.”
Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey also shared: “oh debbie my heart breaks for you all i’m so so sorry! Rest in peace Will.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.examinerlive.co.uk ’
