Waterloo Road star and former X Factor contestant William Rush has died at the age of 31, his family has confirmed. Rush, who is the son of former Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush (who played Anna Windass), began his career as a child actor, with appearances in Grange Hill (as Ali Duncan from 2005 to 2007) and Shameless, before later taking on roles in Casualty and Vera. Rush was best known for his role as school pupil Josh Stevenson in the BBC One drama Waterloo Road, appearing in 168 episodes from 2009 to 2013.

Rush’s rise to fame was magnified in 2016 after he appeared on the reality television music competition The X Factor at just 21 years old. His rendition of Zara Larsson’s Lush Life wowed judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger and saw Rush soar through to the next round. Rush eventually made it through to the six-chair challenge, the third of only four elimination stages. The family performing bug saw Debbie appear alongside her son in 2014 in two separate episodes of Coronation Street, where Rush played the role of a young man who threatened Maddie Heath at her hostel.

The tragic news was announced by Rush’s 59-year-old mother Debbie, who shared the following statement to her 32,000 Instagram followers:

“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.”

Debbie, who, like her son, trained at the Manchester School of Acting, added that he had left behind the “most precious gift of all”, stating:

“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 will always be loved, always missed, and forever in our hearts. #bekind”

Since the announcement, which has amassed nearly 40,000 likes and 2,000 comments, tributes to the beloved star have poured in. Actor Jack P Shepherd, who has played the role of David Platt in Coronation Street since 2000, said: “Terrible to read that, Debbie. Devastating news, thinking of you all.”

Shobna Gulati, known for playing Anita in dinnerladies and Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street, wrote: “Sending you all the love, I’m so sorry and my deepest sympathies.”

Tributes have also poured in from Rush’s Waterloo Road co-stars, including Rebecca Ryan, who commented: “Debbie, I am so sorry to hear this!! Sending you all the love. He was such an amazing light. Thinking of you and your beautiful family.”

Chelsee Healey, who played fan-favourite student-turned-secretary Janeece Bryant, posted: “My heart breaks for you all, I’m so, so sorry.”

Rush is survived by his parents Debbie and Andrew and his siblings Tom and Poppy. His family has not yet announced his cause of death.