Waterloo Road actor William Rush has died aged 31, his family 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 then moved on to roles in Casualty and Vera.
His mother, former Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush, announced on Instagram that William had died on Wednesday, adding: “As a family our hearts are completely broken.” The cause of his death has not been announced.
Rush also auditioned for ITV talent show The X Factor in 2016 and made it all the way to the “six chair challenge”, the stage between the training ground and the judges’ homes.
Debbie Rush, an actress who played Anna Windass in Coronation Street for a decade, described William as “our beautiful baby” and said: “There are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss.”
He also paid tribute to his son’s decision to become an organ donor before he died.
“Even in our darkest hour, William gave us the most precious gift of all,” she said.
“By being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to other families, thinking of others until the end. His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy.
“We kindly ask that our privacy be respected as we go through this unimaginable pain. William will always be loved, always missed and forever in our hearts.”
His fellow Coronation Street stars left messages of support on his post, with Sally Dynevor saying she was “very surprised to hear this news” and describing William as a “beautiful boy”.
Actor Jack P Shepherd said: “It’s terrible to read that, Debbie. Devastating news, thinking of you all,” while Shobna Gulati wrote: “Sending you all my love, I’m so sorry and my deepest condolences.”
Chelsee Healey, who also appeared in Waterloo Road, posted: “My heart breaks for you all, I’m so sorry.”
