Waterloo Road star Will Rush dies aged 31, Coronation Street actress mother confirms
Debbie Rush confirmed the news on social media.
Former Waterloo Road star Will Rush has died at the age of 31.
The Manchester-born actor, who played Josh Stevenson in the BBC One drama for four series between 2009 and 2013, passed away on 17th December.
In a statement on Instagram, mother Debbie, who played Anna Windass in Coronation Street for a decade, paid tribute to her "beautiful baby boy".
"As a family, our hearts are completely broken, and there are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss," she wrote.
"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."
Rush found fame as a child, playing recurring character Ali Duncan in Grange Hill, before a string of guest roles including parts in Shameless and Jimmy McGovern's The Street.
His Waterloo Road character was the estranged son of much-loved Tom Clarkson (Jason Done), and storylines followed their reconnection, his journey with his sexuality, an addiction to marijuana, and a schizophrenia diagnosis.
Following his departure, Rush had bit parts in Coronation Street, Casualty and Vera, and auditioned for the 2016 series of The X Factor.
Debbie's co-star Sally Dynevor has paid tribute, writing: "Oh Debbie I’m so shocked to hear this news. Sending you so much love. What a beautiful boy he was."
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."
Will is survived by parents Debbie and Andrew, and siblings Poppy and Tom.
Authors
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
