Coronation Street star Debbie Rush reveals her son has died just days before Christmas
Coronation Street star Debbie Rush’s son died just a week before Christmas.
Rush, 59, who played Anna Windass in the ITV soap from 2008 to 2018, announced that her ‘beautiful boy’ William, 31, passed away on Wednesday.
The mother-of-three and her family were left ‘completely devastated’ by the news and experienced ‘unimaginable pain’ following his death.
The star made an emotional post on Instagram and said: ‘Our beautiful son William passed away on December 17. As a family, our hearts are completely broken and there are no words that can truly describe the depth of our loss.
‘Even in our darkest hour, William gave the most precious gift. As an organ donor, he gave hope and life to other families by thinking of others until the end. His kindness and love will forever be a part of his legacy.
‘We ask that our privacy be respected as we recover from this unimaginable pain. William will always be loved, always missed and forever in our hearts.’
Ms. Rush joined the long-running series in 2008 as Anna Windass. Her most memorable storyline came in 2018, when Anna stabbed to death villain Pat Phelan, played by Connor McIntyre.
William also starred on the big screen as schoolboy Josh Stevenson in BBC One’s Waterloo Road between 2009 and 2013. Additionally, Vera starred in Casualty and had a long-running role as Ali Duncan in Grange Hill from 2005 to 2007.
Coronation Streetstar Debbie Rush’s son William died just a week before Christmas. She was photographed during her appearance on X Factor in 2016.
Mrs Rush (pictured) revealed her ‘beautiful son’ William, 31, passed away on Wednesday
Ms Rush shared this photo of William in an emotional post on Instagram announcing his death
William followed in his mother’s footsteps by appearing in two episodes of Corrie in 2014.
William later appeared on The X Factor in 2016 when he was 21 years old. She performed a version of Zara Larsson’s song Lush Life and made it through to the third of four elimination stages.
William’s sister Poppy is also an actress and has appeared in many episodes of Coronation Street, just like her brother and mother.
Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor sent a message of support to Ms Rush, saying: ‘Oh Debbie, I’m so surprised to hear this news.
‘I’m sending you so much love. “What a beautiful child he was.”
Waterloo Road actress Katie McGlynn also paid tribute to William. She wrote: ‘Debbie I’m so sorry to you all.
‘Will brought a smile to everyone’s face and was such a kind person. Thinking of you and sending lots of love to you all.’
Ms. Rush joined the long-running series in 2008 as Anna Windass. She is seen in a scene with Ellie Leach, who plays her on-screen daughter Faye.
William also starred on the big screen as schoolboy Josh Stevenson (pictured) in Waterloo Road from 2009 to 2013.
William Rush was seen sharing the red carpet with Angela Griffin at the Inside Soap Awards in London in 2010.
William first started acting after playing the Artful Dodger in a production of Oliver at his school, Bamford Academy. He also described the school’s principal, Cherie Rivero, as his inspiration for becoming an actor.
‘If it wasn’t for this school, I wouldn’t be acting,’ he said in a 2013 interview. ‘Miss Rivero made me do the play and that’s what influenced me in what I do now.
‘Without him, I wouldn’t have the career I have now.’
This is breaking news. More to follow.
