William Rush (1994–2025): A Tribute to the Waterloo Road Star and His Final Legacy
The lights have dimmed far too early for a talent who grew up on our screens. In a tragedy that has shaken the UK television community, actor William Rush has passed away at the age of 31.
Known to millions as the troubled but lovable Josh Stevenson in the BBC’s Waterloo Road, William’s life was defined by more than just his ability to captivate an audience. Today, as his family navigates unimaginable grief, the nation is learning of his final, silent role—a role not played for applause, but for life itself.
On 17 December 2025, William took his final bow. Yet, in a twist of profound grace, his story does not end here. Through the gift of organ donation, he has ensured that while his voice is silenced, his heart continues to beat for others. This is the story of a Manchester lad who chased his dreams from Rochdale to Australia, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind.
The Heartbreaking News: Debbie Rush’s Tribute to her “Beautiful Boy”
The devastating news broke on Thursday, 18 December 2025, when Coronation Street legend Debbie Rush (known to fans as Anna Windass) posted a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram. The post, which instantly drew thousands of messages of support from fans and fellow actors, confirmed that her “beautiful baby boy” had died the previous day.
The Rush family, Debbie, father Andrew, and siblings Poppy and Tom, are reportedly “heartbroken” by the sudden loss. In her statement, Debbie did not shy away from the pain but chose to focus on the beacon of hope William left behind:
“Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all. 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.”1
This revelation has turned a news story into a national conversation about the power of the NHS Organ Donor Register, reminding us that even in death, there is room for a final act of heroism.2
Who Was William Rush? Early3 Life and the Manchester School of Acting
Born on 6 July 1994 in Bury, Greater Manchester, William Edward Rush was destined for the arts. Growing up in a creative household, he didn’t just stumble into acting; he studied it with the dedication of a craftsman.
He honed his skills at the renowned Manchester School of Acting, a training ground that has produced some of the North’s finest talent. It was here that he developed the naturalistic style that would later serve him well in gritty dramas like Shameless and The Street.
Friends and tutors remember him not as a “nepotism baby” riding his mother’s coattails, but as a grafter, a young man who turned up early, learned his lines, and understood the emotional weight of the characters he portrayed.
The Breakthrough: Remembering Josh Stevenson in Waterloo Road
For a generation of British viewers, William Rush is Josh Stevenson. Joining the cast of the BBC One drama Waterloo Road in 2009 (Series 5), he played the role for four years, appearing in 69 episodes.
The Legacy of Josh Stevenson (2009–2013)
Josh wasn’t an easy character to play. He was introduced as a “fairly average lad” but was quickly thrust into some of the show’s most complex narratives.
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The Father-Son Dynamic: The reveal that Josh was the biological son of beloved teacher Tom Clarkson (played by Jason Done) became the emotional anchor of the show for several seasons. The chemistry between Rush and Done felt authentically messy, awkward, and ultimately loving.
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The Schizophrenia Storyline: In Series 7, the writers trusted William with a harrowing arc: Josh’s diagnosis with schizophrenia. At a time when youth mental health was rarely discussed with nuance on primetime TV, William’s performance was widely praised. He didn’t play the condition for horror; he played it for confusion, fear, and vulnerability.
Fan Perspective: “I remember watching Josh’s breakdown during exam week. It didn’t feel like acting. As a teenager struggling with anxiety myself, seeing Josh get help and come back to school gave me permission to speak up. He made us feel seen.”, Sarah T., Waterloo Road Fan Club Member.
From Grange Hill to Australia: A Versatile Career Retrospective
While Waterloo Road was his “pillar” role, William Rush was a working actor with a diverse CV that spanned genres and continents.
Career Timeline
| Year | Production | Role | Notes |
| 2005–2007 | Grange Hill | Ali Duncan | His first recurring role as a child actor. |
| 2007 | Shameless | Lad | A brief but gritty appearance in the Channel 4 hit. |
| 2009–2013 | Waterloo Road | Josh Stevenson | Series Regular (Series 5–8). |
| 2014 | Coronation Street | Ian | Episode 8361: Played a thug who intimidated Maddie Heath. |
| 2014 | Vera | Ryan Darrow | Episode: “On Harbour Street” (ITV crime drama). |
| 2017 | Friday On My Mind | George Young | Australian miniseries biopic of The Easybeats. |
The Australian Chapter: Friday On My Mind
In 2016, William took a bold step, moving to Australia to broaden his horizons. This gamble paid off when he was cast as George Young in the ABC miniseries Friday On My Mind.
Playing the Scottish-born rhythm guitarist of The Easybeats (and older brother to AC/DC’s Malcolm and Angus Young) required a specific swagger and musicality. Critics praised his “burning performance,” noting that he captured the fierce determination of the rock pioneer. It remains a hidden gem in his filmography that fans should seek out.
The Musician’s Journey: The X Factor and Beyond
William was never content with just one creative outlet. In 2016, he surprised the UK public by appearing as a contestant on ITV’s The X Factor.
Trading scripts for a microphone, he performed an acoustic version of Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life” during the auditions. He made it through to the grueling Six-Chair Challenge, proving he had the raw vocal talent to back up his ambition. Although he didn’t win the competition, the exposure highlighted his desire to evolve as an artist, later releasing independent tracks that showcased his soulful, acoustic style.
A Gift of Life: William Rush’s Legacy as an Organ Donor
The most poignant part of this tragedy is the revelation of William’s final wish. By registering as an organ donor, he has turned a moment of loss into a lifeline for strangers.
Understanding the Impact
In the UK, the organ donation laws have changed to an “opt-out” system (Max and Keira’s Law), but family consent and the individual’s registered decision remain crucial.
Legacy Note: The Power of ‘Yes’
According to NHS Blood and Transplant, one organ donor can save or improve the lives of up to nine people.
Did you know? Even with the opt-out system, families are always consulted. William’s explicit decision made a difficult time slightly clearer for his family, allowing them to take comfort in his heroism.
Action: If you are inspired by William’s story, you can confirm your decision on the NHS Organ Donation Register.
FAQs
Who did William Rush play in Waterloo Road?
William played Josh Stevenson from 2009 to 2013. His character was the son of Tom Clarkson and was central to major storylines involving drug addiction and schizophrenia.
Is William Rush related to Debbie Rush?
Yes. William was the real-life son of Debbie Rush, the actress who played Anna Windass on Coronation Street. He was also the brother of actress Poppy Rush.
What was William Rush’s cause of death?
As of 18 December 2025, the family has not publicly disclosed the specific medical cause of death. They have asked for privacy to navigate their grief.
How old was William Rush when he died?
He was 31 years old. He was born on 6 July 1994 and passed away on 17 December 2025.
Did William Rush appear in Coronation Street?
Yes, but not as a regular. He had a guest role in 2014 playing a character named Ian, a thug who caused trouble for Sophie Webster and Maddie Heath.
What did Debbie Rush say about her son?
In her Instagram tribute, she called him her “beautiful baby boy” and highlighted that “his kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy” due to his organ donation.
Was William Rush a singer?
Yes. Aside from acting, he was a talented singer-songwriter and reached the Six-Chair Challenge on The X Factor in 2016.
Conclusion: A Final Standing Ovation
It is difficult to say goodbye to a talent that had so much more to give. From the corridors of Waterloo Road to the recording studios of The X Factor, William Rush approached every role with a rare sincerity.
He leaves behind a body of work that captures the angst and energy of British youth, but perhaps his greatest role was the one he played off-camera: a son, a brother, and a life-saver. As fans re-watch his scenes today, we don’t just see an actor; we see a young man who, in his final moments, chose to give “hope and life” to others.
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