Waterloo Road star Denise Welch has paid tribute to former co-star William Rush, 31, whose death was announced yesterday.
William starred in Waterloo Road as Josh Stevenson from 2009 to 2013.
Josh was the son of teacher Tom Clarkson, and was involved in some major storylines during his tenure, from figuring out his sexuality to cannabis addiction, to a schizophrenia diagnosis.
Actor William also had a role in The Street in 2007, and appeared in episodes of Vera and Coronation Street in 2014.
The news of William’s passing was shared on Instagram by his mum, Debbie Rush, who played Anna Windass in Coronation Street.
‘Our beautiful baby boy, William, passed away on 17th December. As a family, our hearts are completely broken, and there are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss,’ she wrote, alongside a picture of William.
‘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.
‘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.’
Tributes have flooded in in the wake of the news, with co-stars of both William and Debbie alike sharing their condolences.
This morning, actress and presenter Denise Welch gave a heartfelt tribute to William during an interview with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2.
‘I was on set yesterday when I picked up my phone and read it, and it was the saddest news I could hear,’ the Steph Haydock star said.
‘I worked quite a long time with William, and I haven’t seen him for a long time. You know how life is, the kids go off and do their thing. But he was the loveliest person. And his mum Debbie, who people will know as Anna Windass in Coronation Street. Again, a fantastic family.
‘All I can say on behalf of me and all of those at Waterloo Road is we just send our love. I can’t think of anything worse. A beautiful young man and a wonderful family and my heart breaks for them.’
Jason Done, who played on-screen dad Tom in Waterloo Road, took to the comments of Debbie’s Instagram post to share his own tribute.
‘Oh Debbie I am deeply shocked. He was a gorgeous human being. I am lost for words. Sending all my love to you and the family,’ he wrote.
‘Debbie, I am so sorry sorry to hear this!! Sending you all the love. He was such an amazing light! Thinking of you and your beautiful family,’ Rebecca Ryan, who played Vicki MacDonald in Waterloo Road from 2009 until 2011, added.
EastEnders star Heather Peace, who worked with William during his last few months on Waterloo Road in her role as Nikki Boston, also offered her condolences.
‘I’m so sorry Debbie. He was an absolute joy to work with. A beautiful soul. Sending love & strength,’ she wrote.
‘Debbie I am so sorry to you all. Will brought a smile to everyone’s face and was a very kind soul. Thinking of you & sending so much love to you all,’ Katie McGlynn, who has worked alongside both William and Debbie, shared.
