BBC Waterloo Road issues heartbreaking tribute as two stars of school drama die in same week
BBC school drama Waterloo Road has paid an emotional tribute following the loss of two former cast members within just days of each other.
William Rush passed away on December 17 aged 31, with Lorraine Cheshire dying two days later at the age of 65.
The show’s official Instagram account shared black and white photographs of both actors on Monday, accompanied by a moving statement.
“A very sad week for the Waterloo Road family. We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of William Rush and Lorraine Cheshire,” the post read.
Lorraine Cheshire passed away on Friday
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INSTAGRAM – BBC WATERLOO ROAD
“Our beautiful baby boy, William, passed away on 17th December. As a family, our hearts are completely broken,” she wrote.
She revealed that her son had been an organ donor, describing it as “the most precious gift of all” that would give “hope and life to other families.”
Ms Cheshire, originally from Wythenshawe, built an impressive television career spanning several beloved programmes.
She appeared in two series of the BBC sitcom Early Doors before joining Waterloo Road as Fleur Budgen, a role she held from 2007 until 2012. The actress was also well known for her part in the Sky comedy Trollied.
William Rush’s mother shared the news of his death last week
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Her partner of 46 years, John Dixon, shared the devastating news on Facebook on Friday ,December 19.
“The love of my life passed away early this morning,” he wrote. “46 years and now my heart is broken. To the green fields beyond.”
Both Mr Rush and Ms Cheshire’s time on the school-based drama overlapped, with the pair working together during their respective runs on the programme.
Fans flooded the tribute post with messages of grief, praising both performers for their memorable portrayals.
Many highlighted Mr Rush’s powerful performance during his Series 7 storyline and Ms Cheshire’s emotionally charged final scenes as Fleur.
Debbie Rush’s son William had starred in Waterloo Road and other television shows | GETTY
Fellow actors also shared their sorrow. Chanel Cresswell, who worked alongside Ms Cheshire in Trollied, described her as “one of a kind” and thanked her for their friendship and “naughty laughs.”
“I’ll miss you so so much. I’m shocked, and so so sad,” Ms Cresswell wrote.
Trollied co-star Faye McKeever recalled their shared laughter on set, saying: “Laughing with Lozza in unison will always be one of my favourite memories.”
Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd offered condolences to the Rush family, calling the news “devastating,” while Chelsee Healey, another Waterloo Road alumna, expressed her heartbreak.
