Key Highlights
- Coronation Street star Debbie Rush announces death of her 31-year-old actor son, William Stolworthy.
- Rush describes the family’s “unimaginable grief” following the loss and mentions that William was an organ donor.
- Co-stars from various shows pay tribute to William, including Sally Dynevor and Jack P Shepherd.
The Tragic Loss: Debbie Rush Announces Death of Her Son
On Thursday, 18 December 2025, Coronation Street star Debbie Rush announced the death of her son, William Stolworthy. At the age of 31, William’s passing has left his family, including his mother and his co-stars from various shows, in profound sorrow.
Debbie Rush’s Personal Loss
Rush, who has been a prominent figure on ITV soap opera Coronation Street since 2008, expressed her heart-wrenching grief through social media. In a poignant post on Instagram, she wrote, “There are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss.” Rush described William as “our beautiful baby boy,” emphasizing his kind and loving nature.
“As a family, our hearts are completely broken,” she added, asking for privacy during this difficult time. Rush also highlighted that her son was an organ donor, stating that “he has given hope and life to other families, thinking of others right to the very end.”
A Life in Acting: William Stolworthy’s Career
William’s career as a young actor began with small roles in Grange Hill from 2005 to 2007. He then moved on to play Josh Stevenson in the BBC series Waterloo Road, appearing between 2009 and 2013. His acting portfolio also included roles in Shameless, Vera, and Casualty.
In 2016, William auditioned for The X Factor but was sent home after progressing only to the third round.
Despite this setback, he continued pursuing his passion for acting, appearing on Coronation Street at the same time as his mother from 2014 onwards. Rush played Anna Windass during the same period.
Tributes and Reflections
William’s former co-stars paid tribute to him through social media. Corrie star Sally Dynevor (Debbie Metcalfe) wrote, “Oh Debbie I’m so shocked to hear this news. Sending you so much love.
What a beautiful boy he was.” Jack P Shepherd, known for his role as David Platt, added, “Terrible to read that Debbie. Devastating news. Thinking of you all.”
Other celebrities like Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) and Katie McGlynn (Jodie “Scout” Allen) also shared their condolences, highlighting William’s kind nature and the joy he brought to his colleagues.
The Impact on Soap Operas
The news of William Stolworthy’s death has shaken the world of soap operas. His acting career spanned several popular British shows, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. The loss of such a talented and kind actor is felt deeply by his former co-stars and fans alike.
Debbie Rush’s family continues to deal with their unimaginable grief as they honor William’s memory through organ donation. The outpouring of love and support from fellow actors and fans serves as a testament to the impact he had on those around him.
