Coronation Street star Debbie Rush has announced the death of her “beautiful” son William.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Rush wrote that William, who previously appeared in Waterloo Road as Josh Stevenson, had passed away on 17 December.
Posting a picture of her son smiling, she said in the caption: “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.
“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.”
Several of her co-stars expressed their sympathies, with Sally Dynevor commenting: “Oh Debbie I’m so shocked to hear this news. Sending you so much love. What a beautiful boy he was.”
Catherine Tydesley said: “Oh love. I’m heartbroken for you all. I am so deeply sorry. I’m sending so much love and strength.”
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 & sending so much love to you all.”
William began his career in 2005 with a small part in Grange Hill, before appearing in Shameless two years later as a lad at an ice cream van.
He also had roles in Drop Dead Gorgeous and The Street before joining the cast of Waterloo Road in 2009 as Josh, the son of the late Tom Clarkson.
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Josh was involved in some of the show’s biggest storylines, including struggling with his sexuality and homophobia, his difficult relationship with his estranged father, being exploited by drug dealer Grady, and his eventual schizophrenia diagnosis.
When he joined the cast, he returned to his own school to reflect on the major role it played in his career.
“Without this school, I wouldn’t be acting,” he told Manchester Evening News. “Ms Rivero made me do the play, and that was what influenced me into what I am doing now.
“Without her, I wouldn’t have the career I have now.”
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He continued: “The fondest memory I have is when I played the Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist.
“That is one of my best memories. Also, the school trips. I enjoyed those especially at Robinwood.”
After leaving the soap in 2013, William appeared in Casualty, Vera, and Coronation Street, as well as making it through to the six-chair challenge in The X Factor.
His most recent role came in 2017, where he starred as George Young in the Australian drama Friday On My Mind.
