Waterloo Road has shared a deeply emotional statement following the tragic deaths of two former cast members, William Rush and Lorraine Cheshire, who passed away just days apart. The BBC drama paid tribute to both actors, describing the loss as a heartbreaking moment for the show’s extended family.
William Rush died on December 17 at the age of 31, while Lorraine Cheshire passed away on December 19, aged 65.
Waterloo Road Pays Tribute to Beloved Former Stars
In a post shared on social media on December 22, the official Waterloo Road account expressed its sadness over the loss of the two actors.
“A very sad week for the Waterloo Road family,” the statement read. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of William Rush and Lorraine Cheshire. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends during this very difficult time. It was a privilege to know and work with them.”
Remembering William Rush
William Rush, who was from Bury, trained at the Manchester School of Acting and portrayed Josh Stevenson on Waterloo Road from 2009 to 2012. He also appeared in several popular British TV shows, including Shameless, Grange Hill, Casualty, and Vera.
In 2014, William featured in Coronation Street, playing a character involved in a storyline with Maddie Heath. He later appeared on The X Factor in 2016, where he progressed to the six-chair challenge stage of the competition.
The news of William’s death was shared by his mother, actress Debbie Rush, who is also known for her role in Coronation Street. Posting a photo of her son wearing a Manchester City football shirt, she wrote that the family was “completely broken” by the loss.
Lorraine Cheshire’s Lasting Legacy
Actress Lorraine Cheshire, who was from Wythenshawe, appeared on Waterloo Road as Fleur Budgen from 2007 to 2012. She was also widely known for her roles in Trollied and the much-loved BBC sitcom Early Doors.
Lorraine’s work across British television earned her admiration from fans and colleagues alike, with tributes continuing to pour in following her death.
A Difficult Time for the Waterloo Road Family
The loss of both actors within such a short space of time has left the Waterloo Road community mourning. Fans of the show have also shared messages of remembrance, honoring the impact both William Rush and Lorraine Cheshire had through their performances.
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