Coronation Street star Debbie Rush has announced the tragic death of her son William, who appeared in Waterloo Road
Emma O’Neill Content Editor
12:12, 18 Dec 2025
(Image: debbie_rush/Instagram)
Coronation Street’s Debbie Rush has shared the heartbreaking news of her son, William’s passing just days before Christmas.
In a poignant Instagram post, the actress confirmed that her “beautiful baby boy” tragically died on December 17.
Rush expressed her family’s devastation over their loss, describing their grief as indescribable and stating there were “no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss” following William’s death.
She also disclosed that William had become an organ donor, a final act of generosity that she said brought hope to other families. Even in their darkest hour, William was “thinking of others right to the very end”.
“Through being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to other families,” she penned. “His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy.”
The soap star requested privacy for herself and her family as they grapple with their “unimaginable grief”. She affirmed that William would “always be loved, always missed, and forever in our hearts”.
William, an accomplished actor himself, was known for his role in the BBC drama Waterloo Road. Since the news broke, tributes have flooded in from fans, friends, and colleagues within the television industry, offering their condolences to Rush and her family.
Rush is most recognised for her portrayal of Anna Windass in the ITV soap Coronation Street, a role she embodied for over ten years. The tragic news of her son’s passing sparked a wave of heartfelt messages and condolences from admirers and colleagues alike on social media.
The actress has refrained from divulging additional information about William’s death, choosing instead to honour his life and find solace in his noble decision to be an organ donor.
