Waterloo Road actor William Rush has died aged 31, his family has announced.
Rush played schoolboy Josh Stevenson in the BBC One drama, appearing in 168 episodes between 2009 and 2013.
As a child actor, he also appeared in Grange Hill and Shameless, and later went on to roles in Casualty and Vera.
His mother, ex-Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush, announced on Instagram that William had died on Wednesday, adding: “As a family, our hearts are completely broken.” His cause of death has not been announced.
Rush also auditioned for ITV talent show The X Factor in 2016, and made it as far as the “six-chair challenge”, the stage between boot camp and judges’ houses.
Debbie Rush, an actress herself who played Anna Windass in Coronation Street for a decade, described William as “our beautiful baby boy”, said: “There are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss.”
She also paid tribute to her son’s decision to become an organ donor before he died.
“Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
Fellow Coronation Street stars left supportive messages on her post, with Sally Dynevor saying she was “so shocked to hear this news” and describing William as a “beautiful boy”.
Actor Jack P Shepherd said: “Terrible to read that Debbie. Devastating news, thinking of you all,” while Shobna Gulati wrote: “Sending you all the love, I’m so sorry and my deepest sympathies.”
Chelsee Healey, who also appeared in Waterloo road, posted: “My heart breaks for you all, I’m so so sorry.”
