Coronation Street legend Debbie Rush, who played Anna Windass, has revealed her son has died (Image: ITV)

Debbie Rush, who played Anna Windass in Coronation Street for a decade from 2008 until 2018, has shared the tragic news her son William has died aged 31, just days before Christmas. While she didn’t reveal a cause of death in an emotional Instagram post she wrote:”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.

“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 had followed his mother into acting and began his career in Channel 4’s Shameless before landing a small part in BBC’s Grange Hill, playing the role of Ali Duncan.

He also had roles in The Street and Drop Dead Gorgeous. However he was best know for playing Josh Stevenson in Waterloo Road from 2009 to 2012.

Alongside acting he had auditoned for series 13 of The X Factor in 2016 making it through to the six-chair challenge, the third of four elimination stages.

Debbie’s co-stars and friends rushed to offer their support flooding the comments with their condolences. Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe on the ITV soap, wrote: “Oh Debbie I’m so shocked to hear this news. Sending you so much love. What a beautiful boy he was.”

Joe Duttine who plays Sally’s on screen husband Tim Metcalfe added: “Oh my, I’m so sorry to be reading this, sending love to you and the family x.”

Waterloo Road star William Rush has died at the age of 31 (Image: Debbie Rush Instagram)

Catherine Tyldesley, who recently returned to Corrie playing Rovers Return landlady Eva Price penned: “Oh love. I’m heartbroken for you all. I am so deeply sorry. I’m sending so much love and strength.”

Actress Rebecca Ryan who starred in Shameless before taking on the role of Lydia Chambers in Coronation street shared: “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.”

Katie McGlynn, who played Sinead Tinker on the cobbles set soap chimed in: “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.”

Meanwhile Strictly Come Dancing 2023 winner Ellie Leach, who played Debbie’s daughter Faye in the soap commented: “Heartbroken for you all Debs, sending the biggest cuddles.”