Devastated Debbie Rush reacts to shocked Corrie cast offering their condolences as Catherine Tyldesley and Tina O’Brien lead stars rallying round her after her son’s death

by

Debbie Rush has spoken about how touched she was by the support from her Coronation Street colleagues following the sad passing of her son earlier this week.

The actress known for her role as Anna Windass on the soap opera shared the heartbreaking news that her son, William, died on Wednesday at 31 years old, only a week before Christmas.

The announcement brought many heartfelt messages from Debbie’s former colleagues on Coronation Street. Debbie responded to a message from Catherine Tyldesley, saying they were deeply saddened by William’s passing.

Catherine expressed her deep sympathy, saying she was truly heartbroken for everyone involved and sending all her love and support.

Debbie replied: ‘Thank Cath. We’re devastated.’

Angela Griffin expressed her deep sympathy to Debbie and her family, sharing fond memories of the person who passed away. She sent her love and support during this difficult time.

Jack P Shepherd wrote: ‘Terrible to read that Debbie. Devastating news thinking of you all.’

Tina O’Brien posted: ‘Sending you so much love, thinking of you all.’

Sacha Parkinson expressed deep sympathy to Debbie and her family, saying she was heartbroken by the news and sending them love and support during this difficult time.

Rebecca Ryan, a former Waterloo Road co-star, expressed her condolences, writing: ‘Debbie, I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending all my love to you. He was a truly wonderful person, and I’m thinking of you and your family.’

Brooke Vincent wrote: ‘Oh Debbie. I am so sorry for your loss!! I’m sending you all so much love.’

Sally Carman said: ‘I’m so, so sorry Debbie. Thinking of you all and sending so much love.’

Joe Duttine posted: ‘Oh my. I’m so sorry to be reading this, sending love to you and the family.’

I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. It was always clear how close and loving your family was, and how much pride you took in one another.

‘As a fellow Mum, I just wish I could find the words to make this easier. Sending love to you all.’

Aimee Lou Wood was among those expressing condolences, writing a message to Debbie that said, ‘I am so, so sorry. Sending all my love to you.’

Debbie replied: ‘Thank you sweetheart.’

William began his acting career with a recurring role on Grange Hill from 2005 to 2007, playing Ali Duncan. He later gained wider recognition as Josh Stevenson in the BBC One series Waterloo Road (2009-2013), and has also appeared in shows like Vera and Casualty.

He followed in his mother’s footsteps by appearing in an episode of Corrie in 2014.

In 2016, William auditioned for The X Factor at age 21. He sang a cover of Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life” and reached the third round of eliminations.

Debbie shared the heartbreaking news of her son William’s death on Instagram, saying that he passed away on December 17th. She wrote that her family is devastated and struggling to express how much they’ll miss him.

Even during a difficult time, William showed incredible generosity by choosing to be an organ donor. His selfless act gave hope and a new chance at life to other families, demonstrating his loving nature until the very end. His kindness will always be remembered as a part of what made him special.

We are heartbroken and ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. William will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

Debbie began playing the character Anna Windass on the popular soap opera in 2008. One of her most talked-about storylines was in 2018, when Anna fatally stabbed the villainous Pat Phelan, portrayed by Connor McIntyre.

William’s sister, Poppy, is an actress too, and follows in the family tradition by having appeared in several episodes of Coronation Street, just like her brother and mother.

Debbie married husband Andrew in 1989 and the couple share three children, Poppy, William and Tom. 

William’s acting journey began when he played the Artful Dodger in his school’s production of Oliver! at Bamford Academy. He also credited the school’s headteacher, Cherie Rivero, with inspiring him to pursue acting.

In a 2013 interview, he explained that he wouldn’t be an actor if it weren’t for his school. He credited Ms. Rivero with encouraging him to participate in a play, which ultimately inspired his current career path.

‘Without her I wouldn’t have the career I have now.’

William trained at the Manchester School of Acting and then began his on-screen career with a role in the BBC series Shameless in 2007.

He first appeared on television as Ali Duncan in seven episodes of Grange Hill between 2005 and 2007. However, he became best known for his role in Waterloo Road, which he started in 2009.

William appeared in 70 episodes as Josh Stevenson, the son of a high school English teacher named Tom Clarkson.

Read More

2025-12-19 12:19