On Air Now

The Debrief

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Now Playing

Florence + The Machine

Dog Days Are Over

Listen Live Watch

William Rush, Waterloo Road star and son of Debbie Rush, dies aged 31

Thursday, 18 December 2025 20:58

By David Murphy

Credit; BBC

Debbie Rush, best known for her role as Anna Windass in Coronation Street, has confirmed the death of her son William Rush at the age of 31.

The actress shared the news via a public statement, describing the family's heartbreak and paying tribute to her son’s generosity in becoming an organ donor.

William Rush, a former actor who starred in Waterloo Road, died on Wednesday. No cause of death has been made public. His mother said the family’s hearts were “completely broken” and described William as “our beautiful baby boy”.

Rush found fame playing Josh Stevenson in the BBC school drama Waterloo Road, appearing in 168 episodes from 2009 to 2013. He had earlier roles in Grange Hill and Shameless, and later appeared in Casualty and Vera. He also auditioned for The X Factor in 2016, reaching the six-chair challenge.

In her tribute, Debbie Rush also highlighted her son's decision to register as an organ donor. “Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all,” she wrote, explaining that his donation had already given “hope and life to other families”.

She added: “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.”

Tributes poured in from across the acting world. Fellow Coronation Street stars offered their support, including Sally Dynevor, Jack P Shepherd and Shobna Gulati. Chelsee Healey, who co-starred with William in Waterloo Road, said: “My heart breaks for you all, I'm so so sorry.”

William grew up in Rochdale and attended Matthew Moss High School.

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local Entertainment

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • The Debrief

    5:00pm - 7:00pm

    with Isabella Fletcher, playing all of your favourite hot girl bangers.

  • The 60's Show

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    with Geoff Radivan

  • Through The Decades

    8:00pm - 9:00pm

    with Austin Hart for a musical journey from the 1960s to today, spinning timeless tracks and hidden gems, all tied together with a brand-new theme every Sunday at 8pm.

  • The Sunday Night Session

    9:00pm - 11:00pm

    with Damien signing the Weekend off in style. All Genres - One Session.

  • The Quiet Storm

    11:00pm - 1:00am

    Join Paul Harvey on The Quiet Storm as he plays the world’s greatest love songs to end your day.

  • Wide Awake Club

    1:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.