Waterloo Road star William Rush dies aged 31 — family left «completely broken»

Television fans were left reeling last night after the family of William Rush, best known for his role as beloved gay character Josh Stevenson in BBC One’s Waterloo Road, announced the actor had died aged 31.

Rush shot to fame as a teenager on the hit school drama, appearing in 168 episodes between 2009 and 2013, and later popped up in shows including Grange Hill, Shameless, Casualty and Vera. He also tried his hand at music reality TV, making it as far as the six‑chair challenge on The X Factor in 2016.

His mother, former Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush, broke the tragic news on Instagram, saying the family’s «hearts are completely broken». She described William as «our beautiful baby boy» and admitted there were «no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss».

The cause of death has not been revealed. In a moving detail, Debbie confirmed William had chosen to be an organ donor, a decision she said would give «hope and life to other families». «Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all», she wrote, praising his kindness and thoughtfulness to the end.

Fans and former co‑stars flooded social media with tributes, recalling the cheeky schoolboy who became a familiar face on British TV. Many paid tribute to his warmth and the energy he brought to his roles, while others expressed shock that someone so young had been taken so suddenly.

Debbie Rush asked for privacy as the family grieves, adding: «William will always be loved, always missed, and forever in our hearts».

William’s rise from child actor to a household name on Waterloo Road won him a loyal following, and his decision to help others after his death has been widely praised. Tributes are expected to continue as more friends and colleagues share memories of a life cut tragically short.