Coronation Street Star Jude Riordan's Showbiz Family Background Revealed
Jude Riordan, the actor behind the popular character Sam Blakeman on ITV's long-running soap Coronation Street, has been captivating audiences since his debut in 2020. However, many fans may be surprised to learn that his acting talent runs in the family, with his father being an established television director who has even worked on the same iconic show.
From the Cobbles to Family Collaborations
Jude Riordan first appeared on the famous Weatherfield cobbles as Sam Blakeman, the secret son of Nick Tilsley portrayed by Ben Price. Over his years on the programme, Sam has been central to several major storylines, including the emotional aftermath of his mother Natasha Blakeman's tragic death at the hands of villain Harvey Gaskell.
More recently, Sam has found himself embroiled in another gripping plot, developing suspicions about the inappropriate relationship between athletics coach Megan Walsh and teenager Will Driscoll. This storyline took a dramatic turn when Megan confronted Sam at Speed Daal, issuing veiled threats to ensure his silence about what he had uncovered.
A Family Steeped in Television Production
What makes Jude's journey on Coronation Street particularly special is his family connection to the production. His father, Paul Riordan, is a successful television director who has helmed multiple episodes of the very soap his son stars in. Paul began his industry career with Hollyoaks before accumulating directing credits for major British dramas including Emmerdale and Casualty.
The father-son duo reached a professional milestone in 2021 when Paul directed Jude on the Coronation Street set. Jude commemorated this special occasion on social media, sharing a heartfelt photo with the caption about working with his father despite not feeling well. Their collaboration extended beyond the soap when they worked together on the short film Hidden, which earned two prestigious awards at the British Independent Film Awards.
Multiple Family Members on Screen
The Riordan family's connection to Coronation Street doesn't end with Jude and his father. Jude's brother Zach also made an appearance on the show in 2022, playing the character Oscar who challenged Sam to a chess tournament at the bistro. This means three members of the same family have contributed to the programme in different capacities.
In 2024, Jude and Paul were photographed together on the famous cobbles near the street's salon, with Jude describing their work as creating "bold choices" during busy filming schedules. The image captured the unique dynamic of a father directing his son on one of Britain's most beloved television institutions.
Coronation Street continues to air Monday through Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and the streaming platform ITVX, with Jude Riordan's performance as Sam Blakeman remaining a key part of the show's current narrative developments.
