Coronation Street child star Jude Riordan’s real age and huge previous success in TV revealed

CORONATION Street fans have been left stunned by the performances of Jude Riordan, but the child star is no stranger to the acting world.

The sky seems to be the limit for the youngster, who with only a few years in the showbiz world under his belt is already breaking records and sweeping up big awards.

The young star plays Sam Blakeman on the ITV soap and had viewers in tears as he watched his on-screen mother Natasha die ina recent episode.

Jude, 10, made his debut on the Cobbles last year as Nick Tilsley’s son and would go on to steal scenes whenever he was on screen.

Earlier this year, he won a National Television Award at the for Best Newcomer, making him the youngest NTA winner in history.

He first entered showbiz in 2017 when he appeared on the Channel 4 documentary, The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds.

His parents say he’s a “happy chappy” and he was a huge hit on the documentary series.

Jude has also had other major starring roles, such as on acclaimed dramedy, Brassic – where he played the son of former Corrie darling Michelle Keegan.

In that iconic role as Tyler Croft he managed to win over viewers with his warm, but also hilarious performance.

Jude followed in his dad’s footsteps by entering the world of entertainment, with his dad, Paul, a veteran TV director.

Paul Riordan broke through in a behind the scenes role in Hollyoaks and directed big name soaps, Emmerdale and Casualty.

After his son won the NTA award in 2021, he tweeted: “Well this is pretty special… Proudest dad on the universe.”

Jude also won over the hearts of the nation when he won his historic NTA.

Cheered on by his co-stars, the shocked Jude took to the stage to pick up the gong from the Love Island stars Liberty, Kaz, Millie and Liam, but quickly ran into trouble because he was too little to get to the microphone. 

Thankfully, host Joel Dommett thought on his feet, and in order to give him his special moment, lifted him so he could make his speech.

“Oh my word!” he declared. “This is amazing! I’d just like to say thank you to all my fans for voting for me, and all my Corrie cast and crew for helping me, and my family for supporting me, and yeah – that’s mainly it. Thank you guys!” 

He later admitted that it was “very scary” on stage but was glad that his mum was proud. 

Viewers at home had their hearts completely melted by the sweet moment and praised the youngster on taking home the award. 

Taking to Twitter, one wrote: “Jude Riordan making his acceptance speech while being held up by #JoelDommett is the funniest thing I’ve seen at the #NTAs ! Congratulations Jude”

Jude fought off some fierce competition for his gong, and was up against Emmerdale’s Emile John, Casualty star Olivia D’Lima, Hollyoaks’ Rhiannon Clements and Rose Ayling-Ellis as Frankie Lewis on EastEnders.