Young British actor William Rush, who is best known for playing Josh Stevenson in over 160 episodes of the BBC’s Waterloo Road, died on December 17, 2025, at age 31. Breaking the news, his mother, former Coronation Street star Debbie Rush, announced his death on Instagram. Highlighting his organ donation that saved lives, she expressed her sorrow for the beloved actor’s passing.
The cause of Rush’s death is undisclosed. After the post announcing it went viral, tributes poured in from co-stars like Denise Welch, Aimee Lou Wood, and Chelsee Healey. After his tenure on the soap opera, Rush appeared in Shameless, Grange Hill, Casualty, Vera, and auditioned for The X Factor in 2016.
Announcing the tragic event, Debbie Rush, his mother, said, “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.”
Providing more details, his grieving mother noted how even in death he is helping others, saying, “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.”
Concluding her comments, Rush’s mother clarified, “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.” Responding to the tragic news, many other actors offered their condolences.
George Sampson, a Britain’s Got Talent winner, said, “I’m so sorry to see this, thoughts are with you all, rest in paradise Will.” Likewise, The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood posted, “Debbie, I am so so sorry… Sending you all my love.”
Likewise, Karen David, a Waterloo Road co-star, was shocked. “Debbie, I am so shocked and deeply saddened to hear about your sweet boy… The time I spent on set with your magical son, was pure joy and a laugh. He will be deeply missed,” she said.
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Katie McGlynn, another Waterloo Road actor, was similarly devastated, saying, “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.”
Before his passing, the beloved actor shared valuable insights into his creative process while speaking at his alma mater. “Without this school, I wouldn’t be acting,” he told local media. “Ms Rivero made me do the play, and that was what influenced me into what I am doing now.
Continuing his heartfelt message, the recently deceased actor stated, “Without her, I wouldn’t have the career I have now. 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.”
Reaffirming his fond memories, he concluded, “She was my favourite as she was the nicest. Even coming back here now, it’s such a happy atmosphere, it has a really nice feel about it,” he said while speaking to the assembled children.