Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush has announced the death of her son, William, just a week before Christmas. Rush, 59 — best known for playing Anna Windass in the long-running ITV soap between 2008 and 2018 — revealed that her “beautiful baby boy” passed away on Wednesday at the age of 31.
The mother of three shared the devastating news on Instagram, describing the family as “completely broken” and struggling with “unimaginable grief.”
In an emotional post, she wrote: “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.”
She also revealed that, in his final act, William chose to be an organ donor — offering hope to other families. “Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all. His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy,” she said. She went on to request privacy as the family attempts to process the tragedy.
William rose to fame as Josh Stevenson in the BBC One drama Watertown Road, appearing from 2009 to 2013. He also held roles in Casualty, Vera, and was Ali Duncan in Grange Hill from 2005 to 2007.
Following in his mother’s footsteps, he appeared in Coronation Street in 2014. He also reached the third elimination stage of the X Factor in 2016, performing Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life” when he was just 21.
Images shared online capture moments from his career: his X Factor performance, his role as Josh Stevenson, and candid photos of William with his mother in 2018.
Rush, who joined Corrie in 2008, is still remembered for one of the soap’s most dramatic storylines — her character Anna stabbing villain Pat Phelan in 2018.
William’s sister, Poppy, is also an actress and appeared multiple times in Coronation Street. Debbie married husband Andrew in 1989, and the couple share three children — Poppy, William and Tom.
Tributes quickly poured in. Sally Dynevor shared condolences, saying: “Oh Debbie, I’m so shocked to hear this news. Sending you so much love. What a beautiful boy he was.”
Former Waterloo Road actress Katie McGlynn said: “Debbie, I am so sorry to you all. Will brought a smile to everyone’s face and was a very kind soul.”
Debbie’s Instagram post included a recent photo of William, reflecting the profound sense of loss.
Other images show William alongside Angela Griffin on the red carpet at the Inside Soap Awards in 2010, and photographs shared by his brother Tom in tribute, along with a post dating back to the family’s earlier years.
William discovered acting after playing the Artful Dodger in Oliver! during a school production at Bamford Academy, crediting headteacher Cherie Rivero for inspiring him. In a 2013 interview, he said: “Without this school I wouldn’t be acting… Ms Rivero made me do the play, and without her I wouldn’t have the career I have now.”
He later trained at Manchester School of Acting before his first televised role in Shameless in 2007.
From there, he appeared in Grange Hill for seven episodes, but his most significant role came in 2009 when he joined Waterloo Road, playing Josh Stevenson — son of English teacher Tom Clarkson — for 70 episodes.
As the news spreads, fans and friends continue to mourn the talented actor and singer whose life and career ended far too soon — and whose final act of generosity ensures his legacy will endure.
