William Rush, best known for his role as Josh Stevenson in the popular BBC One drama Waterloo Road, has passed away at the age of 31. His family confirmed the sad news, though the cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Rush, who captivated audiences with his portrayal of Josh Stevenson, appeared in 168 episodes of Waterloo Road from 2009 to 2013. In addition to his memorable role in the series, he had earlier acting credits as a child star in shows like Grange Hill and Shameless. He also appeared in Casualty and Vera in later years, further establishing himself as a talented actor.
His mother, Debbie Rush, a former Coronation Street actress, shared the heartbreaking news of his passing on Instagram. She wrote, “As a family, our hearts are completely broken.”
Born William Edward Rush on July 6, 1994, in Bury, Greater Manchester, he showcased his acting abilities from a young age. Rush made early appearances in Drop Dead Gorgeous and The Street, which marked the beginning of his promising career. He later participated in The X Factor UK in 2016, where he made it to the Six-Chair Challenge stage, showing his versatility beyond acting.
The actor, who was active in the industry from 2004 to 2017, was remembered fondly by both his family and co-stars for his kind and warm-hearted nature. In a final act of generosity, his mother revealed that William had been an organ donor, a decision that “gave hope and life to other families.”
William Rush leaves behind a legacy of talent and warmth, with his family, friends, and colleagues mourning his untimely loss. He is survived by his mother Debbie, his sister Poppy Rush, also an actress and singer, and his two siblings.