William Rush

William Edward Rush (6 July 1994 – 17 December 2025) was an English actor and singer-songwriter. He was best known for portraying the role of Josh Stevenson in the BBC school-based drama series Waterloo Road (2009–2013). In 2016, Rush appeared as a contestant on the thirteenth series of The X Factor.

William Edward Rush was born on 6 July 1994 in Bury, Greater Manchester, to Andrew and Debbie Rush. His mother is also an actress. He had an older sister and a brother.

Rush attended Bamford Academy and trained at the Manchester School of Acting.

Rush started his career in BBC's Grange Hill playing the role of Ali Duncan, before being given a small part in Channel 4's Shameless as a lad at an ice cream van. He also appeared in Drop Dead Gorgeous and The Street. From 2009 to 2012, he played Josh Stevenson in Waterloo Road and made a guest appearance the following year.

In 2016, Rush auditioned for series 13 of The X Factor and made it through to the six-chair challenge, the third of four elimination stages.

On 17 December 2025, Rush died at Salford Royal Hospital at the age of 31. His mother announced the news of his death on Instagram the following day.