Coronation Street star Jude Riordan has been a fan favourite on the cobbles since his debut as Sam Blakeman in 2020 – but what is the young actor’s life like away from the soap?
Coronation Street’s young star Jude Riordan, who plays Sam Blakeman, has made a big impact on the show since his debut in 2020. He’s best known for his role as Nick Tilsley’s long-lost son, who lost his mum in a tragic storyline involving drug lord Harvey Gaskell.
Jude’s performance of Sam’s grief as he said an emotional goodbye to Natasha at the funeral parlour caught the attention of fans who praised the young actor for the outstanding performance. But what about his life off-screen? Let’s take a look at what Jude’s life is like away from the cobbles…
Who is Jude Riordan?
Jude who hails from St Helens in Merseyside, discovered his love for acting at St John Vianney school. Now just 13 years old, Jude’s mum Kellie shared with St Helens Star in 2022 that he was invited to a casting in February 2020, before going for a screen test with Nick actor Ben Price.
She told the publisher: “Jude was over the moon. He loves to act and feels very comfortable on set and in that environment. Sam loves all things space so Jude is loving learning about the Nebula Cluster.”
And fans who are used to seeing Jude’s character Sam in his trademark glasses might be surprised to learn he doesn’t wear them in real life.
Michelle Keegan link
Corrie wasn’t Jude’s first TV project and he has even acted alongside Michelle Keegan in his already impressive career. Michelle, who played Tina McIntyre on the Cobbles from 2008 until 2014, is also known for playing Jude’s on-screen mum Erin in Sky One’s comedy-drama Brassic.
Jude plays Tyler in the show and previously paid a sweet tribute to Michelle on Instagram to celebrate Mother’s Day. He posted three snaps – one of him with his real mum Kellie, another with Natasha actress Rachel Leskovac and a third with Michelle, adding the caption: “Happy Mother’s Day to all. Especially my mum, my Corrie mum, and my Brassic mum!”
TV debut
Jude actually made his TV debut in 2017 when he was just five years old after appearing in the documentary The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds with other kids his age.
He went on to scoop credits in the classic kids’ show Blue Peter, as well as the TV miniseries Katy, based on Jacqueline Wilson’s hit book. He’s also starred in several adverts.
NTA winner
His impressive acting skills have even impressed Corrie regulars, including Jane Danson who plays Leanne Battersby on the soap.
She tweeted: “I work with @JudeRiordan most days and I know how wonderful he is. He has a maturity beyond his years and that scene with ‘My Nick ‘ was absolutely stunning. The two of them have just made me cry @itvcorrie.”
Jude’s performances have been so impressive that he even bagged the National Television Award for Best Newcomer at this year’s glitzy ceremony in 2021.
Famous family
His dad, Paul Riordan, is also a big name in the soap world and has even shared screen time with Jude on Coronation Street. Paul made his mark as the director of Channel 4’s Hollyoaks from 2008 to 2020. He then went on to direct episodes of Casualty, Emmerdale and Coronation Street, where Jude was starring in 2021.
After Jude’s NTA win, proud dad Paul took to Twitter to share: “Well this is pretty special… Proudest dad in the universe!” He added: “Still processing what just happened! Our boy up there following in the footsteps of the greatest in telly. Enjoy it all @JudeRiordan you deserve everything!”
