Jude Riordan is among the most well-liked stars of Coronation Street. Since 2020, the gifted young actor has portrayed Sam Blakeman in the popular ITV serial opera.
Jude gained recognition for his amazing performances in challenging narratives following the murder of his on-screen mother, Natasha Blakeman, by the evil Harvey Gaskell. When the gifted actor won best newbie at the 2021 National Television Awards, he was acknowledged with a prize.
Jude remains an important part of Corrie and teased he would be thrown into the ongoing saga between Toyah and Leanne. The sisters have been warring after Leanne found out Toyah was having an affair with Nick. Jude’s mum and dad regularly keeps fans updated with his life on the screen on Instagram.
They took to the social media platform to reveal Jude would be acting as a mediator between the two. A screenshot from the episode was posted with the caption: “C’mon ladies. Sort it out!
Jude’s return comes after a well deserved break from the show. The soap star was shooting scenes during the summer holiday but enjoyed some time away before he returned to start Year 9.
A post shared with his 86,500 Instagram followers said: “Wrapped on a busy week on the cobbles! Ending with Ruby Duby. She’s now a Weathy High girl looking forward to chilling for my last 2 weeks of summer before Y9!”
It has been four years since Jude first joined the show and he marked his anniversary on August 17 last month. Jude confirmed he is still enjoying being a part of the show more than ever. A post said: “Four whole years of Sammy B! How quick has that gone, was only meant to be six months and he’s kept on rolling.
“Thank you for loving Sam. He is a joy to play and care for. Side note – they were the best trainers he’s ever had! Look at the size of me.”
Jude celebrated his 13th birthday this year and fans took to the comments on the posts and couldn’t believe how quickly time had passed since he joined the show. Kathryn said: “Omg year 9! Doesn’t seem 2 minutes since you started High school”
Emma added: “No way 4 years that’s crazy how time has flown by wow. Well done on your achievements such an amazing character for an amazing young man keep smiling inspiring the younger generation still can’t believes in been 4 years”
Ems posted: “I refuse to believe it has been 4 years but happy anniversary” Lou said: “Has it been that long already??? Happy Corrie-versary!!” Hannah said: “Happy 4 years Jude. That’s went really fast. Sam is what he is because of you”
Jude proudly hails from St Helens and it’s no surprise that he is such a talented actor as his dad is a successful director. Paul Riordan broke through in a behind the scenes role in Hollyoaks before he went on to earn directing credits for popular soaps such as Emmerdale and Casualty.
Jude and Paul collaborated on a short film called Hidden which picked up two prizes the British Independent Film Awards. Jude’s brother is also no stranger to the screen as they appeared together on Corrie in 2022. Zach played Oscar in the show, who took on Sam in a chess tournament at the bistro.
Jude’s rise to fame began in 2017 when he appeared on the Channel 4 documentary, The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds. He has also appeared on the Sky One show, Brassic, as Tyler Croft – and his on-screen mum is played by former Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan.Jude was thrilled when the new season of Brassic was the number one watched programme in the UK when it landed on Netflix last month.
Jude is proud of his Merseyside roots and his family regularly shares updates when he is out and about in Merseyside. In a heartfelt tribute to his showbiz dad, it was revealed Jude is a big St Helens’ Rugby League fan.
He said: “Happy Father’s Day to @paulrio27 Thanks for the LOLs Father, thanks for being a great mentor, thanks for taking me to the snooker hall, thanks for my Saints season tickets and thanks for being a great great Dad!”
