William Rush, 31, regularly celebrated his joy at becoming a parent, sharing pictures on social media of young Frankie who he described as ‘my world’

The son of Coronation Street favourite Debbie Rush, whose death was confirmed this week, was a devoted father and husband-to-be who had been planning a dream future before his life was cut short at the age of 31.

William Rush consistently celebrated his joy at becoming a parent, sharing photos of baby Frankie on social media and calling him “my world.” He was also due to marry his fiancée, Melissa, who is mother to the little boy.

Mr Rush became engaged to partner Melissa Cotterill, 36, having proposed in June 2024

His mother, Debbie Rush, 59 — known to millions as Anna Windass on the ITV soap between 2008 and 2018 — revealed on Wednesday that her “beautiful” son had passed away, leaving the family in what she described as a state of complete devastation.

Family games
Debbie Rush revealed her son William passed away on Wednesday at the age of 31, just a week before Christmas (pictured in 2018)

It has now emerged that William got engaged to partner Melissa Cotterill, 36, in June 2024. The two frequently posted snapshots of their growing family, especially after welcoming Frankie in October last year.

The only public hint of any difficulties in William’s life appeared back in June 2023, when he posted a cryptic update saying he would be “going away for a few months,” without phone access. He then remained silent online for six weeks before returning and sharing images of his newborn.

William had attempted to follow his mother into a show business career, initially as an actor and later a singer too

Among the shared moments was a photo of baby Frankie dressed in a Manchester City onesie while being fed by his dad. In another, William described him as “the happiest little fella,” celebrating fatherhood daily.

William had long pursued a career in entertainment, following his mother’s footsteps. He first appeared  on TV in Grange Hill between 2005 and 2007 before landing schoolboy Josh Stevenson in Waterloo Road from 2009 to 2013.

The only suggestion of any possible difficulties in Mr Rush’s life came in June 2023 when he posted this cryptic message on social media

His acting credits also included roles in Vera and Casualty, and in 2014, he appeared briefly in Coronation Street.

William later shifted toward music, auditioning for The X Factor in 2016 at age 21. He performed Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life” and reached the third elimination stage. More recently, he returned to performing, touring local venues, competing in “battle of the bands,” and releasing original tracks.

Debbie Rush joined Coronation Street as Anna Windass in 2008. Her most memorable moment was her 2018 storyline involving Pat Phelan.

The family — Debbie, husband Andrew, and their three children — have now been left “completely broken,” with an “unimaginable grief” in the wake of William’s death.

Family games

In an emotional Instagram tribute, Debbie wrote:

“Our beautiful baby boy, William, passed away on 17th December. As a family, our hearts are completely broken… and there are no words to truly capture the depth of our loss. Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift — through being an organ donor, he has given hope and life to others. His kindness and love will forever be part of his legacy. We ask for privacy as we navigate this unimaginable grief.”

Tributes quickly poured in. William’s sister Poppy — also an actress with Coronation Street credits — is among those mourning.

Friends and colleagues have shared their heartbreak, including Denise Welch, who offered a heartfelt tribute on BBC Radio 2, and Corrie actress Sally Dynevor, who described William as a “beautiful boy.”

Waterloo Road’s Katie McGlynn recalled him as a kind soul who always made others smile.

William’s passion for performing emerged early when he played the Artful Dodger in Oliver at Bamford Academy. He credited the school’s headteacher for encouraging him to pursue acting.

Training at the Manchester School of Acting eventually led him to his first role in Shameless in 2007 — before his breakthrough on Waterloo Road, where he played Josh Stevenson in 70 episodes.

William leaves behind fiancée Melissa and their young son, Frankie — the centre of his world and the future he was preparing to build.