Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars pay tribute after Waterloo Road actor’s tragic death
Actress Debbie Rush has been flooded with messages after she announced the tragic death of her 31-year-old son
Former Waterloo Road star William Rush (right) has tragically died(Image: Shed Media)
Former Coronation Street star Debbie Rush has been flooded with messages of love and support after she announced the tragic death of her son, Waterloo Road star William.
The actress, who played Anna Windass on the ITV soap from 2008 until 2018, announced the tragic news on Instagram on Thursday (December 18), a day after William’s sad passing.
Following in his mum’s footsteps, William trained at the Manchester School of Acting and also appeared on Coronation Street in 2014, playing the role of a young man who threatened Maddie Heath at her hostel.
William’s most notable role was on Waterloo Road, where he played Josh Stevenson, a role he played from 2009 until 2012. He also had roles in Shameless, Grange Hill, Casualty and Vera and appeared on The X Factor back in 2016, where he made it through to the six-chair challenge, the third of four elimination stages.
Announcing the news of his passing, alongside a picture of William, who was 31, sitting on a sofa and wearing a Manchester City football shirt, Debbie shared: “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.
Debbie confirmed William’s death on social media(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 devastating post was ended with the hashtag “#BeKind”.
Former Corrie co-star Sally Dynevor was among those to respond, as she commented on the post: “Oh Debbie I’m so shocked to hear this news. Sending you so much love. What a beautiful boy he was,” while Catherine Tyldesley shared: “Oh love. I’m heartbroken for you all. I am so deeply sorry. I’m sending so much love and strength.”
Tina O’Brien wrote: “Sending you so much love. Thinking of you all.” Jack P Shepherd said: “Terrible to read that Debbie. Devastating news. thinking of you all x.” Joe Duttine posted: “Oh my, I’m so sorry to be reading this, sending love to you and the family.” Sue Cleaver typed: “So terribly saddened to hear this. Sending so much love to you all.” Sair Khan penned: “Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family Debbie. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Emmerdale and Coarrie’s Paula Lane shared: “Debbie I’m absolutely heartbroken for you all.” Former Corrie star Brooke Vicent said: “Oh Debbie. I am so sorry for your loss!! I’m sending you all so much love,” as ex-Corrie and Waterloo Road actress Katie McGlynn said: “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 & sending so much love to you all.” Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey also added: “oh debbie my heart breaks for you all i’m so so sorry! Rest in peace Will.”
