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<\/p>\nFor such a young actor, Coronation Street star Jude Riordan has already made an indelible mark on the cobbles since making his Corrie debut back in 2020. <\/p>\n
He\u2019s best known for playing Sam Blakeman, the long-lost son of Nick Tilsley, who tragically lost his mother last week after she was fatally shot by drug lord Harvey Gaskell.<\/p>\n
Jude\u2019s portrayal of the youngster\u2019s grief had Corrie fans the nation over in floods of tears as he bade an emotional goodbye to Natasha at the funeral parlour.<\/p>\n
But what about his life away from the cobbles? To mark his impressive performance on the ITV soap, Daily Star takes a look at what Jude\u2019s life is like when the cameras are off.<\/p>\n
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Jude originally hails from St Helens in Merseyside, attending St John Vianney school where he first discovered his love of acting.<\/p>\n
Now aged just 13, Jude\u2019s mum Kellie explained to St Helens Star last year that he was invited to attend a casting in February 2020, before heading for a screen test with Nick actor Ben Price.<\/p>\n
She explained to the publication: "Jude was over the moon. He loves to act and feels very comfortable on set and in that environment.<\/p>\n
"Sam loves all things space so Jude is loving learning about the Nebula Cluster."<\/p>\n
And fans who are used to seeing Jude\u2019s character Sam in his trademark glasses might be surprised to learn he doesn\u2019t wear them in real life.<\/p>\n
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Coronation Street wasn\u2019t Jude\u2019s first TV project – and he has even acted alongside a Corrie stalwart in his impressive career.<\/p>\n
Michelle Keegan, who played Tina McIntyre on the cobbles from 2008 until 2014, is also known for playing Jude\u2019s on-screen mum Erin in Sky One comedy drama Brassic.<\/p>\n
Jude currently plays Tyler in the show, and paid a sweet tribute to Michelle on Instagram to celebrate Mother\u2019s day.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s Day to all. Especially my mum, my Corrie mum, and my Brassic mum!"<\/p>\n
Jude actually made his television debut in 2017 when he was just five years old, appearing in documentary The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds with other kids his age.<\/p>\n
He went on to scoop credits in classic kids\u2019 show Blue Peter, as well as TV miniseries Katy, based on Jacqueline Wilson\u2019s hit book.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s also starred in several adverts.<\/p>\n
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Jude\u2019s impressive acting skills have even impressed Corrie regulars, including Jane Danson who plays Leanne Battersby on the soap.<\/p>\n
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 \u2018My Nick \u2018 was absolutely stunning.<\/p>\n
"The two of them have just made me cry @itvcorrie."<\/p>\n
In fact, Jude\u2019s performances have been so incredible he even scooped the National Telelvision Award for Best Newcomer at this year\u2019s star-studded ceremony.<\/p>\n
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Some fans might not have made the link, but Jude\u2019s dad is also a prolific soap star and has made his own name in Soapland – and has even been Jude\u2019s co-star for four episodes of Coronation Street.<\/p>\n
Paul Riordan first made a name for himself as the director of Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, which he had a hand in directing from 2008 until 2020.<\/p>\n
He went on to direct episodes of Casualty, Emmerdale and Coronation Street, the latter in 2021 when Jude was starring.<\/p>\n
Paul was there to congratulate his son on his NTA win, taking to Twitter to say: "Well this is pretty special\u2026 Proudest dad in the universe!"<\/p>\n
He followed up: "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!"<\/p>\n
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 7:30pm.<\/b><\/p>\n
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