- William Rush, who played Josh Stevenson in Waterloo Road, has died aged 31.
- The actor also appeared in Grange Hill, Shameless, Casualty and Vera.
- His mother, Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush, confirmed his death and said he was an organ donor.
- Fellow actors have paid tribute; the cause of death has not been announced.
H2: Waterloo Road star dies aged 31
William Rush, best known for his role as schoolboy Josh Stevenson in the BBC drama Waterloo Road, has died at the age of 31, his family announced. Rush appeared in 168 episodes of the series between 2009 and 2013 and became a familiar face to UK TV audiences.
H3: Early roles and later work
Rush began acting as a child, with credits that include Grange Hill and Shameless. As he grew older he took on roles in well-known dramas such as Casualty and Vera, building a steady career across British television.
H3: Family announcement and organ donation
His mother, Coronation Street alum Debbie Rush, announced William’s death on Instagram, saying the family’s “hearts are completely broken.” She asked for privacy as they grieve and revealed that William had chosen to be an organ donor.
“Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all,” she wrote, adding that through donation he had given “hope and life to other families.” You can view her post on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSZxzreiMly/?hl=en
H2: Reactions from colleagues and fans
Tributes have poured in from the entertainment community. Coronation Street stars and former co‑stars expressed shock and sympathy. Sally Dynevor described William as a “beautiful boy,” while Jack P Shepherd wrote that the news was “devastating.” Shobna Gulati and Chelsee Healey also offered condolences.
H3: A varied career beyond Waterloo Road
Beyond his long run on Waterloo Road, Rush explored other creative routes; he auditioned for ITV’s The X Factor in 2016 and progressed to the six‑chair challenge stage. Though best known for acting, the audition showed his interest in music and performance beyond television drama.
H2: What we know — and what remains private
The family has not disclosed a cause of death. They have requested space to process their loss. Debbie Rush’s public message focused both on grief and on the decision William made to help others through organ donation — a detail she described as part of his legacy.
H3: Remembering William Rush
William Rush built a recognizable career from childhood into adulthood and leaves behind colleagues, friends and family who remember him for his work and his generosity. As tributes continue, the spotlight has also turned to organ donation and the lives saved by such decisions.
If you wish to read Debbie Rush’s full message and tributes from colleagues, see her Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSZxzreiMly/?hl=en
Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg10gx4qe7o
