Jude Riordan: Age, Dad, and Coronation Street Role Explained

Jude Riordan has played Sam Blakeman on Coronation Street since October 2020, but his real-life family connections to the cobbles are arguably just as interesting as his on-screen storylines. As the son of television director Paul Riordan and older brother of Zach — who has also appeared in the ITV soap — Jude’s career is very much a family affair. This guide covers everything you need to know about Jude Riordan’s age, his famous dad, and his role as Sam Blakeman.

Jude Riordan at a Glance

Who is Jude Riordan’s famous dad?

Jude Riordan’s father is Paul Riordan, a television director who has built a successful career in showbusiness. According to Manchester Evening News, Paul has directed episodes of Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Casualty. The father-son connection became a full-circle moment in 2021 when Jude appeared in a scene directed by his own dad for the first time, as reported by Corrie News. This makes Jude one of the few young actors on the soap who can literally follow in his father’s footsteps on set.

Who is Paul Riordan?

Paul Riordan is an accomplished television director whose credits span some of the UK’s biggest soap operas. Beyond Coronation Street, his work on Emmerdale and Casualty demonstrates a versatile career in British television drama. Despite being linked to the show through his son, Paul’s directorial work stands on its own merit, and he has been a steady presence behind the camera for years.

How is Jude Riordan related to other cast members?

Beyond his father, Jude’s family ties to the cobbles extend to his older brother, Zach. Digital Spy confirmed that Zach appeared in a Coronation Street scene as Sam Blakeman’s chess opponent on 6 April 2022. This means both brothers have shared the screen in the same fictional universe, albeit in very different capacities — one as a series regular and the other as a one-off extra.

How old is Jude Riordan in real life?

Jude Riordan was born on 11 May 2011 in St Helens, Merseyside, according to Express. This makes him 13 years old as of 2024, and his 2024 age places him firmly in his teenage years while he continues his role on the cobbles. His character, Sam Blakeman, has aged in tandem with Jude, maintaining the continuity that soap fans have come to expect.

When was Jude Riordan born?

Jude was born on 11 May 2011, a date confirmed by Express. This makes him a Taurus in terms of his zodiac sign, a detail that fans often look up when following young actors. His birth in St. Helens, Merseyside, roots him in the North West of England, which is fitting for a young actor starring in a Manchester-based soap.

What is his zodiac sign?

As someone born on 11 May, Jude’s zodiac sign is Taurus. People born under this sign are often described as reliable, patient, and down-to-earth — traits that seem to align with the grounded nature of his character, Sam. While this is light biographical colour, it’s the kind of detail that rounds out a fan-focused profile.

Is there a new actor playing Sam in Coronation Street?

No, Jude Riordan continues to play Sam Blakeman as of 2024. Despite occasional rumours of recasting — often fuelled by social media speculation — there has been no official change to the role. Jude remains the sole actor portraying Sam since he first appeared in October 2020, as confirmed by Express.

Who currently plays Sam Blakeman?

Jude Riordan currently plays Sam Blakeman. He first stepped into the role in October 2020 and has remained with the show through 2024. His portrayal of Nick Tilsley’s hidden son has earned him a loyal fanbase and critical recognition, proving that he is more than just a child actor — he is a fixture on the Street.

Why did the previous actor leave?

There was no previous actor who left, as Jude Riordan has always been the one to play Sam Blakeman. The character was introduced as a plot twist — the hidden son of Nick Tilsley and Natasha Blakeman — and Jude was cast from the very beginning. Any suggestion of a recast is unfounded, as no official announcement has been made regarding a change.

How much do extras get on Coronation Street?

While Jude’s brother Zach appeared as an extra in one scene, the pay for such roles varies. Extras on Coronation Street typically earn around £100 to £150 per day, depending on the type of work and whether they speak lines. However, this figure is not officially published and should be treated as an estimate rather than a verified salary.

Who is the highest paid actor on Coronation Street?

The highest-paid actor on Coronation Street is widely reported to be one of the show’s veteran stars. While exact figures vary, reports from The Sun and other outlets have repeatedly cited certain cast members earning upwards of £200,000 per year. Notably, one long-serving star has been reported to earn around £150,000 annually, though these figures are contractual and not publicly disclosed.

Jude Riordan’s rise in the industry is a testament to his talent and his family’s deep roots in British television. As his father directs and his brother makes cameos, the Riordan family’s influence on the cobbles continues to grow.